newt

/ˈn(j)ut/

UK: /ˈnjuːt/

newt

English Noun Top 18,180

Definition

A small lizard-like amphibian in the subfamily Pleurodelinae that lives in the water as an adult.

Etymology

From Middle English newte, newete, from rebracketing of Middle English an ewte as a newte (for similar misdivisions compare adder, nickname, apron, umpire, etc.). Middle English evete, eute, euete, ewte (“newt”), derives from Old English efete (“lizard; newt”). Doublet of eft.