manatee
/ˈmæn.əˌtiː/
MÆN · ətiː (2 syllables)
English
Noun Top 39,557
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Definition
Any of several plant-eating marine mammals, of the genus Trichechus, found in tropical regions.
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.
Example Sentences
- "The ecological importance of the manatee is clear; scientists have demonstrated the dependancy of all components of an ecosystem on one another . . ."
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