Water shrew \Wa"ter shrew`\ (Zo["o]l.) Any one of several species of shrews having fringed feet and capable of swimming actively. The two common European species ({Crossopus fodiens}, and {C. ciliatus}) are the best known. The most common American water shrew, or marsh shrew ({Neosorex palustris}), is rarely seen, owing to its nocturnal habits.