Nat a to res

(na-tah-to'reez.) L., swimmers.] (Zool.) An order of birds, comprising those which are especially fitted for aquatic life. Their plumage is thick and firm, toes webbed to the claws, tibiæ feathered to near the tarsal joint, the hind toe usually elevated, and rather small. They all swim well, and most of them dive freely. [s. 632]