Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
ambystomid salamander

ambystomid salamander

9.9
A small to medium amphibian that lives on land or in water in the Americas
  • noun
  • /æmˈbɪstəˌmɪd ˈsæləˌmændər/
  • Specialized
translation icon : salamandra ambystomátida
  • The ambystomid salamander is well adapted for life in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

Examples

  • The ambystomid salamander is often found in moist forests.

  • Identifying an ambystomid salamander requires close examination of its physical features.

  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect several endangered ambystomid salamander species in North America.

  • Did you see an ambystomid salamander in the garden?

  • Conservation efforts are underway to protect several endangered ambystomid salamander species in North America.

  • Identifying an ambystomid salamander requires close examination of its physical features.

  • The ambystomid salamander is well adapted for life in both terrestrial and aquatic habitats.

Synonyms

ambystomid
vsambystomid salamander
  • Specialized
9.9

A medium-sized salamander that lives on land and in water in the Americas

refers to the same animals as found in the Americas

Surface Forms

ambystomid salamander singular
ambystomid salamanders plural

Morphology

ambystomid + salamander

The phrase is fully compositional: 'ambystomid' specifies the family Ambystomatidae and 'salamander' names the animal, so the combined phrase denotes a salamander of that family. This taxonomic modifier + noun pattern is predictable and cross-linguistically common, so a B1 learner who knows both constituents would understand the meaning.

Etymology

The name ambystomid salamander comes from the group name Ambystoma, which likely meant 'blunt mouth' in Greek and gives the image of a salamander with a short, rounded snout. So, the name is used today for a group of mole-like salamanders that live on land and in water.