western red-backed salamander
- noun
- /ˈwɛstərn rɛd-bækt ˈsæləmændər/
- US
:
salamandra de lomo rojo occidental
- The western red-backed salamander is commonly found in moist forested areas along the Pacific coast.
Examples
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Children often spot a western red-backed salamander hiding under rocks and fallen logs.
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Scientists studied the western red-backed salamander to understand its unique adaptations to its environment.
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The western red-backed salamander is often found in moist forest habitats.
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Look at that western red-backed salamander crawling on the log!
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Children often spot a western red-backed salamander hiding under rocks and fallen logs.
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The western red-backed salamander is commonly found in moist forested areas along the Pacific coast.
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Look at that western red-backed salamander crawling on the log!
Synonyms
A small salamander from the west coast of North America with a narrow light stripe on its back
Surface Forms
Morphology
western + red-backed + salamander
The phrase is straightforwardly compositional: 'western' signals geographic origin, 'red-backed' describes having a red back or dorsal stripe, and 'salamander' names the amphibian. This kind of descriptive/taxonomic compound follows normal English patterns and can be understood by a B1 learner who knows the constituent words.
Etymology
The name western red-backed salamander comes from a simple picture: western because it lives on the west coast, red-backed because it has a red stripe along its back, and salamander for the small, moist amphibian it is. So the name simply describes 'a small salamander with a red stripe that lives on the west coast'.
