axolotl
Americannoun
noun
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any of several aquatic salamanders of the North American genus Ambystoma, esp A. mexicanum ( Mexican axolotl ), in which the larval form (including external gills) is retained throughout life under natural conditions (see neoteny ): family Ambystomidae
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any of various other North American salamanders in which neoteny occurs or is induced
Etymology
Origin of axolotl
1780–90; < Nahuatl āxōlōtl, equivalent to ā ( tl ) water + xōlōtl page, male servant
Vocabulary lists containing axolotl
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
"Many times, scientists work in their silos: we're just working in axolotl, or we're just working in mouse, or just working in fish," Currie said.
From Science Daily • May 9, 2026
"This significant research brought together three labs, working across three organisms to compare regeneration," said Wake Forest Assistant Professor of Biology Josh Currie, whose lab studies the Mexican axolotl salamander.
From Science Daily • May 9, 2026
The 37-year-old bought her daughter's first axolotl, Stitch, in September and has since fallen in love with their "calming" nature.
From BBC • Apr. 26, 2026
Mexicans have plenty of spiritual animalistic icons and regional exclusives that make sense, from the endangered axolotl salamander to Xoloitzcuintle, a hairless dog.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 16, 2026
Feeding the axolotl on thyroid gland produces the metamorphosis very quickly, even if the axolotl is kept in water.
From The Glands Regulating Personality by Berman, Louis, M.D.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
