First recorded in English around 1780–90.
Comes from the Nahuatl word āxōlōtl.
The word āxōlōtl combines ā(tl), meaning "water" and xōlōtl, which means "page or attendant."
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EXAMPLES OF AXOLOTL

Mexican lakes and ponds provide the perfect habitat for the axolotl to thrive in its unique larval form.
Scientists study the axolotl to better understand regeneration capabilities in amphibians.

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Did you mean self-punishment?