Definition

A large, brownish-gray salamander that lives in water, found mainly in the eastern and central parts of the United States.

Example

The hellbender is known for its impressive size and unique appearance.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a hellbender in the wild?

No, I haven't! What do they look like?

They're really interesting creatures, quite large and usually brownish-gray.

That sounds cool! I’d love to spot one while hiking.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Hellbender is formed from "hell" (from Old English *hel*, meaning the underworld or a place of the dead) and "bender" (from the verb "to bend"). The word refers to a large aquatic salamander known for its wrinkled skin and ability to bend its body in the water, often associated with dark, murky environments.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hell' as a dark, murky place and 'bender' as something that bends — the hellbender is a creature that bends and thrives in such environments.

Visually Confused Words