Cuck·oo n. Zool. A bird belonging to Cuculus, Coccyzus, and several allied genera, of many species.
Note: ☞ The European cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) builds no nest of its own, but lays its eggs in the nests of other birds, to be hatched by them. The American yellow-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus Americanus) and the black-billed cuckoo (Coccyzus erythrophthalmus) build their own nests.
Cuckoo clock, a clock so constructed that at the time for striking it gives forth sounds resembling the cry of the cuckoo.
Cuckoo dove Zool., a long-tailed pigeon of the genus Macropygia. Many species inhabit the East Indies.
Cuckoo fish Zool., the European red gurnard (Trigla cuculus). The name probably alludes to the sound that it utters.
Cuckoo falcon Zool., any falcon of the genus Baza. The genus inhabits Africa and the East Indies.
Cuckoo maid Zool., the wryneck; -- called also cuckoo mate.
Cuckoo ray Zool., a British ray (Raia miraletus).
Cuckoo spit, or Cuckoo spittle. (a) A frothy secretion found upon plants, exuded by the larvae of certain insects, for concealment; -- called also toad spittle and frog spit. (b) Zool. A small hemipterous insect, the larva of which, living on grass and the leaves of plants, exudes this secretion. The insects belong to Aphrophora, Helochara, and allied genera.
Ground cuckoo, the chaparral cock.
◄ ►
Frog n.
1. Zool. An amphibious animal of the genus Rana and related genera, of many species. Frogs swim rapidly, and take long leaps on land. Many of the species utter loud notes in the springtime.
Note: ☞ The edible frog of Europe (Rana esculenta) is extensively used as food; the American bullfrog (R. Catesbiana) is remarkable for its great size and loud voice.
2. Anat. The triangular prominence of the hoof, in the middle of the sole of the foot of the horse, and other animals; the fourchette.
3. Railroads A supporting plate having raised ribs that form continuations of the rails, to guide the wheels where one track branches from another or crosses it.
4. An oblong cloak button, covered with netted thread, and fastening into a loop instead of a button hole.
5. The loop of the scabbard of a bayonet or sword.
Cross frog Railroads, a frog adapted for tracks that cross at right angles.
Frog cheese, a popular name for a large puffball.
Frog eater, one who eats frogs; -- a term of contempt applied to a Frenchman by the vulgar class of English.
Frog fly. Zool. See Frog hopper.
Frog hopper Zool., a small, leaping, hemipterous insect living on plants. The larvæ are inclosed in a frothy liquid called cuckoo spit or frog spit.
Frog lily Bot., the yellow water lily (Nuphar).
Frog spit Zool., the frothy exudation of the frog hopper; -- called also frog spittle. See Cuckoo spit, under Cuckoo.