orx

[Lat., from Gr. oryx = Oryx leucoryx. (See def.)] Zool .: A genus of Bovide; according to Sir Victor Brooke, typical of the sub-family Orygine (q. v.). Four species are known; Oryx leucoryx , the Leucoryx, from Northeastern and Western Africa; O. gazella , the Gemsbok, from Southern Africa; O. beisa , the Beisa Antelope, from Eastern Africa and the coasts of the Red Sea; and O. beatrix, from Arabia. ō-ry-zą, s. [Lat., from Gr. oryza.] Bot .: The typical genus of the tribe Oryzee (q.v.). Inflorescence in panicles, seeds in separate pedicels, each in general with an awn. Fourteen are known. Oryza sativa is the Rice-plant. [RICE.] ō-ry-zě-æ, s. pl. [Lat. oryz (a); fem. pl. adj. suff.-eœ.] Bot .: A tribe of Graminaceae (q. v.). ō-ry-zite, s. [ Gr.oryza =rice.] Min.: A triclinic mineral in rice-like crystals found in a granitic vein in Elba. Hardne , 60, specific gravity, 2-245; luster, vitreous to pealy; color and streak white. Composition, according to two analyses, a hydrated silicate of alumina and lime. Groth regards it as related to Heulandite (q.v.). mouse.] ō-ry-zo-měs, s . [Gr. oryza =rice, and mys=a Zool. Rice-field Mouse; an American genus of Sigmodont Murines, with a single species, Oryzomys ( Hesperomys ) palustris . In size it resembles a small rat. Habits, aquatic. It is abundant along the coast and in the rice-fields of the Southern States, and doos considerable damage.