Mammoth \Mam"moth\, n. [Russ. m[^a]mont, m['a]mant, fr. Tartar
mamma the earth. Certain Tartar races, the Tungooses and
Yakoots, believed that the mammoth worked its way in the
earth like a mole.]
(Zo["o]l.)
An extinct, hairy, maned elephant (Elephas primigenius), of
enormous size, remains of which are found in the northern
parts of both continents. The last of the race, in Europe,
were coeval with prehistoric man.
Note: Several specimens have been found in Siberia preserved
entire, with the flesh and hair remaining. They were
imbedded in the ice cliffs at a remote period, and
became exposed by the melting of the ice.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) |