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Glite Dictionary
olm

olm

1 9.9
A blind salamander that lives underwater in caves and keeps its gills
  • noun
  • /oʊlm/
  • UK
translation icon : olm
  • The olm is a unique creature found in European caves.

Examples

  • Unlike most amphibians, the olm retains its gills throughout its life.

  • Olms are fascinating!

  • Biologists study the olm to understand adaptations to life in total darkness.

  • The olm is rarely seen because it lives deep in underwater cave systems.

  • The olm is a fascinating creature known for its ability to live in complete darkness in European caves.

  • In the underground lakes, you can find the olm swimming gracefully, with its long, pale body and external gills.

  • Scientists study the olm to learn how it adapts to its dark, aquatic environment and survives without sight.

Synonyms

Proteus anguinus
vsolm
  • Specialized
9.9

A blind European cave salamander that keeps external gills and lives in dark water

is the common name for the same species rather than the scientific label

Surface Forms

olm singular
olms plural

Etymology

The word olm comes from the local name used by people who live near the underwater caves in Slovenia and nearby parts of Europe. People also called it the 'human fish' because of its pale, skin-like body, and that local name became the English word, which is why olm now means this blind, pale cave salamander.