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.

From Scientific American

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

From Scientific American

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

From Scientific American

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

From Scientific American

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

From Scientific American