Axolotl
/ˈæk.sə.lɒt.əl/noun
A Mexican aquatic salamander that retains larval features throughout adulthood.
Did you know?The axolotl was associated with Xolotl, the Aztec deity who transformed himself into a salamander-like creature while fleeing sacrifice.
Etymological Timeline
Pre-Columbian era
Nahuatl
āxōlōtl
“A water-dwelling monster or salamander; traditionally connected with the deity Xolotl”
14th–16th Century
Nahuatl
Xolotl
“A deity associated with transformation, death, lightning, and the setting sun”
16th Century
Spanish
axolote
“The Mexican aquatic salamander, borrowed from Nahuatl”
18th Century
English
axolotl
“A salamander of Mexican lakes, especially the lake-dwelling form”
Modern English
English
axolotl
“An aquatic salamander known for regenerative abilities and lifelong external gills”