hellbender

[ hel-ben-der ]

noun

1. a large salamander, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, of rivers and streams in eastern North America, having a flat, stout body and broad head.
2. Informal. a reckless or headstrong person.

hellbender

/ ˈhɛlˌbɛndə /

noun

1. a very large dark grey aquatic salamander, Cryptobranchus alleganiensis, with internal gills: inhabits rivers in E and central US: family Cryptobranchidae

Word History and Origins

Origin of hellbender¹

An Americanism dating back to 1805–15; hell + bender

Example Sentences

Hellbender salamanders, for instance, are coated in mucus that helps them slip away from predators.

From Science News For Students

He read of a rumored Police Department shake up, and he could afford to smile at the vitality of that hellbender-like report.

From Project Gutenberg

There are several kinds in North America, some of which, as the hellbender, are a foot or more in length.

From Project Gutenberg

But little smaller, and even more ugly in appearance, is the "hellbender," representing the family Amphiumid.

From Project Gutenberg