Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Salamander \Sal"a*man`der\, n. [F. salamandre, L. salamandra,
   Gr. ?; cf. Per. samander, samandel.]
   1. (Zo["o]l.) Any one of numerous species of Urodela,
      belonging to {Salamandra}, {Amblystoma}, {Plethodon}, and
      various allied genera, especially those that are more or
      less terrestrial in their habits.

   Note: The salamanders have, like lizards, an elongated body,
         four feet, and a long tail, but are destitute of
         scales. They are true Amphibia, related to the frogs.
         Formerly, it was a superstition that the salamander
         could live in fire without harm, and even extinguish it
         by the natural coldness of its body.

               I have maintained that salamander of yours with
               fire any time this two and thirty years. --Shak.

               Whereas it is commonly said that a salamander
               extinguisheth fire, we have found by experience
               that on hot coals, it dieth immediately. --Sir T.
                                                  Browne.

   2. (Zo["o]l.) The pouched gopher ({Geomys tuza}) of the
      Southern United States.

   3. A culinary utensil of metal with a plate or disk which is
      heated, and held over pastry, etc., to brown it.

   4. A large poker. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.

   5. (Metal.) Solidified material in a furnace hearth.

   {Giant salamander}. (Zo["o]l.) See under {Giant}.

   {Salamander's} {hair or wool} (Min.), a species of asbestus
      or mineral flax. [Obs.] --Bacon.