The Collaborative International Dictionary
Teal \Teal\ (t[=e]l), n. [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.] (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of small fresh-water ducks of the genus Anas and the subgenera Querquedula and Nettion. The male is handsomely colored, and has a bright green or blue speculum on the wings.
Note: The common European teal ( Anas crecca) and the European blue-winged teal, or garganey ( Anas querquedula or Anas circia), are well-known species. In America the blue-winged teal ( Anas discors), the green-winged teal ( Anas Carolinensis), and the cinnamon teal ( Anas cyanoptera) are common species, valued as game birds. See Garganey.
Goose teal, a goslet. See Goslet.
Teal duck, the common European teal.