Rice \Rice\, n. [F. riz (cf. Pr. ris, It. riso), L. oryza, Gr.
???, ???, probably from the Persian; cf. OPers. br[imac]zi,
akin to Skr. vr[imac]hi; or perh. akin to E. rye. Cf. Rye.]
(Bot.)
A well-known cereal grass (Oryza sativa) and its seed. This
plant is extensively cultivated in warm climates, and the
grain forms a large portion of the food of the inhabitants.
In America it grows chiefly on low, moist land, which can be
overflowed.
[1913 Webster]
Ant rice. (Bot.) See under Ant.
French rice. (Bot.) See Amelcorn.
Indian rice., a tall reedlike water grass (Zizania
aquatica), bearing panicles of a long, slender grain,
much used for food by North American Indians. It is common
in shallow water in the Northern States. Called also
water oat, Canadian wild rice, etc.
Mountain rice, any species of an American genus
(Oryzopsis) of grasses, somewhat resembling rice.
Rice bunting. (Zool.) Same as Ricebird.
Rice hen (Zool.), the Florida gallinule.
Rice mouse (Zool.), a large dark-colored field mouse
(Calomys palistris) of the Southern United States.
Rice paper, a kind of thin, delicate paper, brought from
China, -- used for painting upon, and for the manufacture
of fancy articles. It is made by cutting the pith of a
large herb (Fatsia papyrifera, related to the ginseng)
into one roll or sheet, which is flattened out under
pressure. Called also pith paper.
Rice troupial (Zool.), the bobolink.
Rice water, a drink for invalids made by boiling a small
quantity of rice in water.
Rice-water discharge (Med.), a liquid, resembling rice
water in appearance, which is vomited, and discharged from
the bowels, in cholera.
Rice weevil (Zool.), a small beetle (Calandra oryzae, or
Sitophilus oryzae) which destroys rice, wheat, and
Indian corn by eating out the interior; -- called also
black weevil.
[1913 Webster]
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