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Webster 1913 Edition
Water shrew
Wa′ter shrewˊ
.(Zool.)
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.