\Rice\, n. [F. riz (cf. Pr. ris, It. riso), L. oryza, Gr.
???, ???, probably from the Persian; cf. OPers. br[=i]zi,
akin to Skr. vr[=i]hi; or perh. akin to E. rye. Cf. {Rye}.]
(Bot.)
A well-known cereal grass ({Oryza sativa}) and its seed. This
plant is extensively cultivated in warm climates, and the
grain forms a large portion of the food of the inhabitants.
In America it grows chiefly on low, moist land, which can be
overflowed.
{Ant rice}. (Bot.) See under {Ant}.
{French rice}. (Bot.) See {Amelcorn}.
{Indian rice}., a tall reedlike water grass ({Zizania
   aquatica}), bearing panicles of a long, slender grain,
   much used for food by North American Indians. It is common
   in shallow water in the Northern States. Called also
   {water oat}, {Canadian wild rice}, etc.
{Mountain rice}, any species of an American genus
   ({Oryzopsis}) of grasses, somewhat resembling rice.
{Rice bunting}. (Zo["o]l.) Same as {Ricebird}.
{Rice hen} (Zo["o]l.), the Florida gallinule.
{Rice mouse} (Zo["o]l.), a large dark-colored field mouse
   ({Calomys palistris}) of the Southern United States.
{Rice paper}, a kind of thin, delicate paper, brought from
   China, -- used for painting upon, and for the manufacture
   of fancy articles. It is made by cutting the pith of a
   large herb ({Fatsia papyrifera}, related to the ginseng)
   into one roll or sheet, which is flattened out under
   pressure. Called also {pith paper}.
{Rice troupial} (Zo["o]l.), the bobolink.
{Rice water}, a drink for invalids made by boiling a small
   quantity of rice in water.
{Rice-water discharge} (Med.), a liquid, resembling rice
   water in appearance, which is vomited, and discharged from
   the bowels, in cholera.
{Rice weevil} (Zo["o]l.), a small beetle ({Calandra, or
   Sitophilus, oryz[ae]}) which destroys rice, wheat, and
   Indian corn by eating out the interior; -- called also
   {black weevil}.