olm

Thân thiện

A small olm swims in a clear underground pool.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A pale, blind, aquatic salamander (Proteus anguinus) with permanent external gills, found in caves of southern Europe.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The olm is a unique amphibian adapted to life in complete darkness.
  • Scientists study the olm to understand adaptations to subterranean environments.
  • An olm can live for over 100 years in its cave habitat.

Advanced Usage

• The term olm is used specifically in zoological and speleological contexts to refer to this particular species. It is often cited as an example of neoteny, where adults retain larval features like gills.

Variants and Related Words

• Proteus: The genus name for the olm, sometimes used as a common name.
• Cave salamander: A broader descriptive term that can include the olm.
• Blind cave salamander: Another descriptive name highlighting its adaptation.

Synonyms

• Proteus anguinus: The scientific binomial name.
• Cave-dwelling salamander: A descriptive synonym.
• White salamander: A reference to its pale coloration.

Related Phrases/Idioms

Học thuật

Noun

1. European aquatic salamander with permanent external gills that lives in caves

Từ đồng nghĩa

• proteus anguinus