newt

Etymology

From Middle English newte, newete, a form resulting from an incorrect division (a process known as 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.

noun

1. A small lizard-like amphibian in the family Salamandridae that lives in the water as an adult.