from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Hippopotamus \Hip`po*pot"a*mus\, n.; pl. E. {Hippopotamuses}, L.
{Hippopotami}. [L., from Gr.?; "i`ppos horse + ? river. Cf.
{Equine}.] (Zool.)
A large, amphibious, herbivorous mammal ({Hippopotamus
amphibius}), common in the rivers of tropical Africa. It is
allied to the hogs, and has a very thick, naked skin, a thick
and square head, a very large muzzle, small eyes and ears,
thick and heavy body, and short legs. It is supposed to be
the behemoth of the Bible. Called also {zeekoe}, and {river
horse}. A smaller species ({Hippopotamus Liberiencis})
inhabits Western Africa.
[1913 Webster]