| manatee | <zoology> Any species of Trichechus, a genus of sirenians; called alsosea cow. Alternative forms: manaty, manati. One species (Trichechus Senegalensis) inhabits the west coast of Africa; another (T. Americanus) inhabits the east coast of South America, and the West-Indies. The Florida manatee (T. Latirostris) is by some considered a distinct species, by others it is thought to be a variety of T. Americanus. It sometimes becomes fifteen feet or more in length, and lives both in fresh and salt water. It is hunted for its oil and flesh. Origin: Sp. Manati, from the native name in Hayti. Cf. Lamantin. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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