Definition of: phalarope

(fal′ə·rōp) noun
A migratory swimming bird (family Phalaropodidae), breeding in northern regions, resembling the sandpiper, but having the body depressed, the toes bordered by lateral webs, and the plumage close underneath. [<F <NL Phalaropus, the genus name <Gk. phalaris coot + pous foot]