Crossword Genius

Mother checks the water (3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

dam

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'mother' is the definition.
(female parent of an animal)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for dam that I've seen before include "Retaining barrier" , "River blockage" , "Embankment" , "Barrier to hold back water" , "Flood barrier" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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