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An American genus of plants, containing but a single species (E. repens), the trailing arbutus.

A genus of highly ornate and brilliantly colored birds of Australia, allied to the birds of Paradise.

One of the gigantic ostrichlike birds of the genus Æpiornis, only recently extinct. Its remains have been found in Madagascar. [Written also Æpyornis.]

A genus of cactaceous plants having flattened, jointed stems, and petals united in a tube. The flowers are very showy, and several species are in cultivation.

A genus of vascular, cryptogamic, herbaceous plants; -- also called horsetails.

A genus of mammals, including the horse, ass, etc.

A genus of shrubby plants, including the heaths, many of them producing beautiful flowers.

A genus of dipterous insects whose young (called rat-tailed larvæ) are remarkable for their long tapering tail, which spiracles at the tip, and for their ability to live in very impure and salt waters; -- also called drone fly.

A valuable fur-bearing animal of the genus Mustela (M. erminea), allied to the weasel; the stoat. It is found in the northern parts of Asia, Europe, and America. In summer it is brown, but in winter it becomes white, except the tip of the tail, which is always black.

Pertaining to, or derived from, a genus of cruciferous Mediterranean herbs (Eruca or Brassica); as, erucic acid, a fatty acid resembling oleic acid, and found in colza oil, mustard oil, etc.

A genus of umbelliferous plants somewhat like thistles in appearance. Eryngium maritimum, or sea holly, has been highly esteemed as an aphrodisiac, the roots being formerly candied.

A plant of the genus Eryngium.

A genus of leguminous plants growing in the tropics; coral tree; -- so called from its red flowers.

A genus of shrubs or small trees of the Flax family, growing in tropical countries. E. Coca is the source of cocaine. See Coca.

A bivalve shell of the genus Pecten. See Scallop.

A genus of Bryozoa which produce delicate corals, often incrusting like lichens, but sometimes branched.

Like, or pertaining to, the genus Eschara, or family Escharidæ.

A genus of papaveraceous plants, found in California and upon the west coast of North America, some species of which produce beautiful yellow, orange, rose-colored, or white flowers; the California poppy.

A genus of fresh-water fishes, including pike and pickerel.

Essential character (Biol.), the prominent characteristics which serve to distinguish one genus, species, etc., from another. -- Essential disease, Essential fever (Med.), one that is not dependent on another. -- Essential oils (Chem.), a class of volatile oils, extracted from plants, fruits, or flowers, having each…