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)
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