manatee

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A mostly herbivorous sirenian of the genus Trichechus, having a paddle-like tail and nails on their flippers, found in tropical regions.

Pronunciation

mănʹə-tēˊ /ˈmæn.əˌtiː/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-manatee.wav

Word forms

manatee manatees

Etymology

Borrowed from Spanish manatí, from a Cariban-language term meaning ‘breast’, ultimately from Proto-Cariban *manatɨ; compare Kari'na manaty, Trió manatï, Apalaí manaty, Akawaio manatï, Pemon manatü, Macushi manatî.

Synonyms

Related words

Derived words

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