waterdog

Or wa·ter dog

[waw-ter-dawg, -dog, wot-er-]

noun

1. any of several large salamanders, as a mudpuppy or hellbender.

Word History and Origins

Origin of waterdog¹

First recorded in 1855–60; water + dog

Example Sentences

The Neuse River waterdog can approach 28 centimeters, which is still twice as long as most other salamanders.

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Like the Neuse River waterdog, they spend their entire lives confined to water with larval gills and weakling limbs.

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Genomic parasites have slowed the waterdog’s development, swelled its cells and distorted its anatomy.

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It’s easy to look at the Neuse River waterdog and feel a pang of pity.

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Unable to traverse dry land, the waterdog remains isolated in two small river systems in North Carolina.

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