1. A large, flat-bodied salamander found in fast-flowing streams of North America, having wrinkled skin and a flattened tail.
Usage: zoology; also called mud devil or snot otter in some regions
2. A reckless or wild person; someone who acts without caution.
Usage: informal; dated

Examples

• The hellbender is one of the largest salamanders in North America.
• Hellbenders prefer clean, oxygen-rich water in rocky streams.
• Scientists study hellbenders as indicators of stream health.
• The creature's wrinkled skin helps it absorb oxygen from the water.
• That guy drives like a hellbender, taking every curve at top speed.