Pronunciation: [jˈʊ͡əɹə͡ʊdə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "urodele" refers to a type of amphibian also known as a salamander. The spelling of this word can be explained using IPA phonetic transcription as juːrəʊˈdiːl. The first syllable "u" is pronounced as "juː," and the second syllable "ro" is "rəʊ." The third syllable "dele" is pronounced as "ˈdiːl." This word is commonly misspelled as "urodel" or "urodile," but the correct spelling has an additional "e" at the end.
Urodele, also known as the order Caudata, is a group of amphibians commonly known as salamanders or newts. This taxonomic order includes over 680 different species, making it the second-largest group of amphibians, after the order Anura (frogs and toads). Urodeles are characterized by their lizard-like appearance, with long bodies, tails, and short limbs positioned at right angles to the body.
These amphibians are often found in various aquatic habitats, such as lakes, ponds, streams, and even underground caves. They are distributed worldwide, with the highest diversity in North and Central America and Asia. Urodeles are known for their exceptional regenerative abilities, as they can regrow lost body parts, including limbs, tails, and even parts of vital organs.
Most urodeles have a larval stage, similar to frogs, during which they possess gills and live exclusively in water. As they undergo metamorphosis, they develop lungs and transition into a terrestrial or semi-aquatic lifestyle. Many species retain aquatic characteristics throughout their lives and can regenerate their gills when needed.
Urodeles have diverse feeding habits, ranging from carnivorous to herbivorous, depending on the species. They mainly feed on small invertebrates like insects, worms, and crustaceans, but some larger species can also consume small vertebrates.
Due to their unique biology and ability to regenerate, urodeles have become a subject of scientific interest in fields such as regenerative medicine and developmental biology.
The word "urodele" originates from the Greek language. It is derived from the Greek words "ourá" meaning "tail" and "dēlos" meaning "visible" or "manifest". Thus, "urodele" can be translated as "visible tail" or "tail visible". The term is used in zoology to refer to a group of amphibians that possess a tail throughout their entire lives, such as salamanders and newts.
