Word Study
grebe
CIDE DICTIONARY
grebe, n. [F. gr, fr. Armor. krib comb; akin to kriben crest, W. crib comb, crest. So called in allusion to the crest of one species.].
One of several swimming birds or divers, of the genus Colymbus (formerly Podiceps ), and allied genera, found in the northern parts of America, Europe, and Asia. They have strong, sharp bills, and lobate toes. [1913 Webster]
OXFORD DICTIONARY
grebe, n. any diving bird of the family Podicipedidae, with a long neck, lobed toes, and almost no tail.
Idiom
little grebe a small water bird of the grebe family, Tachybaptus ruficollis.
Etymology
F gr{egrave}be, of unkn. orig.
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