merganser

<zoology> Any bird of the genus Merganser, and allied genera. They are allied to the ducks, but have a sharply serrated bill.

The red-breasted merganser (Merganser serrator) inhabits both hemispheres. It is called also sawbill, harle, and sheldrake. The American merganser (M. Americanus) and the hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus) are well-known species. White merganser, the smew or white nun.

Origin: Sp. Mergansar, fr. Mergo a diver (L. Mergus, fr. Mergere to dip, dive) + ansar goose, L. Anser.

Source: Websters Dictionary

(01 Mar 1998)


Terms mentioned in text: zoology, bird, genus, genera, ducks, serrated, red, serrator, hemispheres, harle, sheldrake, hooded, well, species, white, smew, nun
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