'Reef heron' definitions:

Definition of 'Reef heron'

From: GCIDE
  • Reef \Reef\ (r[=e]f), n. [Akin to D. rif, G. riff, Icel. rif, Dan. rev; cf. Icel. rifa rift, rent, fissure, rifa to rive, bear. Cf. Rift, Rive.]
  • 1. A chain or range of rocks lying at or near the surface of the water. See Coral reefs, under Coral. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. (Mining.) A large vein of auriferous quartz; -- so called in Australia. Hence, any body of rock yielding valuable ore. [1913 Webster]
  • Reef builder (Zool.), any stony coral which contributes material to the formation of coral reefs.
  • Reef heron (Zool.), any heron of the genus Demigretta; as, the blue reef heron (Demigretta jugularis) of Australia. [1913 Webster]