any of a family (Jacanidae) of tropical and subtropical shorebirds with long toes that enable them to walk on the floating leaves of water plants; esp., a species (Jacana spinosa) native to Mexico
Origin:
Port < Tupí jasana
See jaçana in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Any of several tropical water birds of the family Jacanidae, having long toes adapted for walking on floating vegetation. Also called lily-trotter.
Origin:
Origin: Portuguese jaçanã
Origin: , from Tupi jaçanam, jaçanã, one that cries out