Word Study
water shrew
CIDE DICTIONARY
water shrew,
Any one of several species of shrews having fringed feet and capable of swimming actively. The two common European species (Crossopus fodiens , and Crossopus ciliatus ) are the best known. The most common American water shrew, or marsh shrew (Neosorex palustris ), is rarely seen, owing to its nocturnal habits. [1913 Webster]
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