The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Salamander \Sal"a*man`der\, n. [F. salamandre, L. salamandra,
   Gr. ?; cf. Per. samander, samandel.]
   1. (Zool.) 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.
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   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.
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               I have maintained that salamander of yours with
               fire any time this two and thirty years. --Shak.
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               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.
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   2. (Zool.) The pouched gopher (Geomys tuza) of the Southern
      United States.
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   3. A culinary utensil of metal with a plate or disk which is
      heated, and held over pastry, etc., to brown it.
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   4. A large poker. [Prov. Eng.] --Halliwell.
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   5. (Metal.) Solidified material in a furnace hearth.
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   Giant salamander. (Zool.) See under Giant.

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