| wetbird | <zoology> The chaffinch, whose cry is thought to foretell rain. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| wetland hydrology | <ecology> In general terms, permanent or periodic inundation or prolonged soil saturation sufficient to create anaerobic conditions in the soil. (09 Oct 1997) |
| wetland indicator status | <ecology> The exclusiveness with which a plant species occurs in wetland, the different indicator categories (i.e., facultative species, and obligate wetland species) are defined elsewhere in this glossary. (09 Oct 1997) |
| wetlands | <ecology> Those areas that are inundated or saturated by surface or ground water at a frequency and duration sufficient to support, and that under normal circumstances do support, a prevalence of vegetation typically adapted for life in saturated soil conditions. Wetlands generally include swamps, marshes, bogs and similar areas. (09 Oct 1997) |
| wettability | The quality or state of being wettable or the degree to which something can be wet. This is also the ability of any solid surface to be wetted when in contact with a liquid whose surface tension is reduced so that the liquid spreads over the surface of the solid. (12 Dec 1998) |
| wettable sulfur | Sulfur prepared from calcium polysulfide solution containing a protective colloid such as casein; it is easily dispersed and suspended in water. (05 Mar 2000) |
| wetting agents | A surfactant that renders a surface wettable by water or enhances the spreading of water over the surface; used in foods and cosmetics; important in contrast media; also with contact lenses, dentures, and some prostheses. Synonym: humectants; hydrating agents. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Wetzel grid | Chart of growth, plotting height, weight, physical fitness and related aspects of young and adolescent children during growth. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Wetzel, Norman | <person> U.S. Paediatrician, *1897. See: Wetzel grid. (05 Mar 2000) |