The Collaborative International Dictionary
Loon \Loon\, n. [For older loom, Icel. l[=o]mr; akin to Dan. & Sw. lom.] (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several aquatic, wed-footed, northern birds of the genus Urinator (formerly Colymbus), noted for their expertness in diving and swimming under water. The common loon, or great northern diver ( Urinator imber, or Colymbus torquatus), and the red-throated loon or diver ( Urinator septentrionalis), are the best known species. See Diver.
Diver \Div"er\, n.
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One who, or that which, dives.
Divers and fishers for pearls.
--Woodward. Fig.: One who goes deeply into a subject, study, or business. ``A diver into causes.''
--Sir H. Wotton.-
(Zo["o]l.) Any bird of certain genera, as Urinator (formerly Colymbus), or the allied genus Colymbus, or Podiceps, remarkable for their agility in diving.
Note: The northern diver ( Urinator imber) is the loon; the black diver or velvet scoter ( Oidemia fusca) is a sea duck. See Loon, and Scoter.