Water shrew \Wa"ter shrew`\ (Zo["o]l.)
Any one of several species of shrews having fringed feet and
capable of swimming actively. The two common European species
({Crossopus fodiens}, and {C. ciliatus}) are the best known.
The most common American water shrew, or marsh shrew
({Neosorex palustris}), is rarely seen, owing to its
nocturnal habits.