newt / n(y)oōt/ • n. a small, slender-bodied amphibian (Notophthalmus, Taricha, and other genera, family Salamandridae) with lungs and a well-developed tail, typically spending its adult life on land and returning to water to breed. Its numerous species include the red-spotted newt (N. viridescens viridescens) of eastern North America and the rough-skinned newt (T. granulosa) of the Pacific coast from southern Alaska to northern California.

newt Any of numerous species of tailed amphibians of Europe, Asia, and North America. The common European newt, Triturus vulgaris, is terrestrial, except during the breeding season, when it is aquatic and the male develops ornamental fins. Its body is long and slender and the tail is laterally flattened. Length: to 17cm (7in). Family Salamandridae.

newt XV. f. -n of AN + ewt, var. of ewet, OE. efeta; of unkn. orig.

newt See SALAMANDRIDAE.