axolotl Zool.
(ˈæksəlɒt(ə)l)
[the Aztec name.]
A batrachian reptile (Siredon pisciforme, family Proteidæ) found in Mexican lakes, resembling the salamander in appearance, but, like all the Proteidæ, retaining throughout life the gills of its young state.
| 1786 Rees Encycl., Axolotl..a singular fish found in the lake of Mexico. 1835 Penny Cycl. III. 187/1 Cuvier..was disposed to consider the axolotl as the tadpole of some of the larger species of American salamanders. 1855 Owen Skel. & Teeth 28 The axolotl has 4 fingers and 5 toes. |