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roe

(Science: zoology) A roebuck. See Roebuck.

The female of any species of deer.

Origin: OE. Ro, AS. Rah; akin to D. Ree, G. Reh, Icel. Ra, SW. Ra.

1. (Science: zoology) The ova or spawn of fishes and amphibians, especially when still inclosed in the ovarian membranes. Sometimes applied, loosely, to the sperm and the testes of the male.

2. A mottled appearance of light and shade in wood, especially in mahogany.

Origin: For roan, OE. Rowne, akin to G. Rogen, OHG. Rogan, Icel. Hrogn, Dan. Rogn, ravn, Sw. Rom; of uncertain origin; cf. Gr. Pebble, Skr. Arkara gravel.