[transl. of Hydrometra, f. Gr. ὑδρο-, ὔδωρ water + μέτρ-ον measure.] A book-name for insects of the family Hydrometridæ (typical genus Hydrometra).
1854. A. Adams, etc., Man. Nat. Hist., 243. Water-measurers (Hydrometridæ). Head generally as broad as thorax, [etc.].
1871. Staveley, Brit. Insects, 319. The … Hydrometridæ, or the water-measurers, may be known at once by their very slender figure, and their habit of skimming upon the surface of the water.
1890. Hardwicke’s Sci.-Gossip, XXVI. 28/2. Great ‘water-measurers’ (Gerris lacustris) were running about in a jerky manner, on the surface of the water.
