Wa"ter mead"ow (?). (Agric.) A meadow, or piece of low, flat land,
capable of being kept in a state of fertility by being overflowed with
water from some adjoining river or stream.
Wa"ter meas"ure (?). A measure formerly used for articles brought by
water, as coals, oysters, etc. The water-measure bushel was three
gallons larger than the Winchester bushel. Cowell.
Wa"ter meas"ur*er (?). (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of water;
the skater. See Skater, n., 2.
Wa"ter*mel`on (?), n. (Bot.) The very large ovoid or roundish fruit of
a cucurbitaceous plant (Citrullus vulgaris) of many varieties; also,
the plant itself. The fruit sometimes weighs many pounds; its pulp is
usually pink in color, and full of a sweet watery juice. It is a native
of tropical Africa, but is now cultivated in many countries. See
Illust. of Melon.
Wa"ter me"ter (?). A contrivance for measuring a supply of water
delivered or received for any purpose, as from a street main.
Wa"ter mil"foil (?). (Bot.) Any plant of the genus Myriophyllum,
aquatic herbs with whorled leaves, the submersed ones pinnately parted
into capillary divisions.
Wa"ter mill` (?). A mill whose machinery is moved by water; —
distinguished from a windmill, and a steam mill.
Wa"ter mint` (?). A kind of mint (Mentha aquatica) growing in wet
places, and sometimes having a perfume resembling bergamot.
Wa"ter mite` (?). (Zoöl.) Any of numerous species of aquatic mites
belonging to Hydrachna and allied genera of the family Hydrachnidæ,
usually having the legs fringed and adapted for swimming. They are
often red or red and black in color, and while young are parasites of
fresh-water insects and mussels. Called also water tick, and water
spider.
<! p. 1633 !>
Wa"ter moc"ca*sin (?). (Zoöl.) A venomous North American snake
(Ancistrodon piscivorus) allied to the rattlesnake but destitute of a
rattle. It lives in or about pools and ponds, and feeds largely of
fishes. Called also water snake, water adder, water viper.
Wa"ter mole` (?). (Zoöl.) (a) The shrew mole. See under Shrew. (b) The
duck mole. See under Duck.
Wa"ter mon"i*tor (?). (Zoöl.) A very large lizard (Varanaus salvator)
native of India. It frequents the borders of streams and swims
actively. It becomes five or six feet long. Called also two-banded
monitor, and kabaragoya. The name is also applied to other aquatic
monitors.
Wa"ter mo"tor (?). 1. A water engine.
2. A water wheel; especially, a small water wheel driven by water from
a street main.
Wa"ter mouse` (?). (Zoöl.) Any one of several species of mice belonging
to the genus Hydromys, native of Australia and Tasmania. Their hind
legs are strong and their toes partially webbed. They live on the
borders of streams, and swim well. They are remarkable as being the
only rodents found in Australia.
Wa"ter mur"rain (?). A kind of murrain affecting cattle. Crabb.
Wa"ter newt` (?). (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of aquatic
salamanders; a triton.
Wa"ter nymph` (?). 1. (Myth.) A goddess of any stream or other body of
water, whether one of the Naiads, Nereids, or Oceanides.