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teal

(Science: zoology) Any one of several species of small fresh water ducks of the genus anas and the subgenera Querquedula and Nettion. The male is handsomely coloured, and has a bright green or blue speculum on the wings.

The common European teal (anas crecca) and the European blue-winged teal, or garganey (A. Querquedula or A. Circia), are well-known species. In America the blue-winged teal (A. Discors), the green-winged teal (A. Carolinensis), and the cinnamon teal (A. Cynaoptera) are common species, valued as game birds. See Garganey. Goose teal, a goslet. See Goslet. Teal duck, the common European teal.

Origin: OE. Tele; akin to D. Teling a generation, production, teal, telen to breed, produce, and E. Till to cultivate. The English word probably once meant, a brood or flock. See Till to cultivate.