Manatee \Man`a*tee"\, n. [Sp. manat['i], from the native name in Hayti. Cf. Lamantin.]

(Zo["o]l.) Any species of Trichechus, a genus of sirenians; -- called alsosea cow. [Written also manaty, manati.]

Note: 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)