Mer*gan"ser (?), n. [Sp.
mergánsar, fr. mergo a diver (L. mergus, fr.
mergere to dip, dive) + ánsar goose, L. anser.]
(Zoöl.) Any bird of the genus Merganser, and allied genera. They are allied to
the ducks, but have a sharply serrated bill.
&fist; 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.
Hear it pronounced