Word
newt
US/ˈnut/
UK/njˈuːt/
Definition
n. a small animal that looks like a lizard but can live both in water and on land. It has a long tail and moist skin, and it belongs to the salamander family.
n. a small, semi-aquatic amphibian belonging to the subfamily Pleurodelinae. It is distinguished from other salamanders by its rougher skin and its life cycle, which involves alternating between aquatic and terrestrial habitats.
Examples
“A small green newt swam across the pond.”
“During the spring breeding season, you can often find a newt hiding under damp logs near the garden pool.”
“The presence of the great crested newt in the local wetlands led to a significant delay in the housing development while environmental impact studies were conducted.”
Examples
simple
“A small green newt swam across the pond.”
contextual
“During the spring breeding season, you can often find a newt hiding under damp logs near the garden pool.”
complex
“The presence of the great crested newt in the local wetlands led to a significant delay in the housing development while environmental impact studies were conducted.”
Usage
Refers specifically to the animal; the term is often used in the phrase 'blind as a newt' in British English to describe someone who is very drunk.
Real-World Examples
“Ultimately, the scientists identified seven frog species—six native and one non-native—and one newt species inhabiting Kyoto's gardens.”