camel bird

camel \cam"el\ (k[a^]m"[e^]l), n. [OE. camel, chamel, OF. camel,
   chamel, F. chameau L. camelus, fr. Gr. ka`mhlos; of Semitic
   origin; cf. Heb. g[=a]m[=a]l, Ar. jamal. Cf. As. camel, fr.
   L. camelus.]
   1. (Zool.) A large ruminant used in Asia and Africa for
      carrying burdens and for riding. The camel is remarkable
      for its ability to go a long time without drinking. Its
      hoofs are small, and situated at the extremities of the
      toes, and the weight of the animal rests on the callous.
      The dromedary ({Camelus dromedarius}) has one hump on the
      back, while the Bactrian camel ({Camelus Bactrianus}) has
      two. The llama, alpaca, and vicu[~n]a, of South America,
      belong to a related genus ({Auchenia}).
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Naut.) A water-tight structure (as a large box or boxes)
      used to assist a vessel in passing over a shoal or bar or
      in navigating shallow water. By admitting water, the camel
      or camels may be sunk and attached beneath or at the sides
      of a vessel, and when the water is pumped out the vessel
      is lifted.
      [1913 Webster]

   {Camel bird} (Zool.), the ostrich.

   {Camel locust} (Zool.), the mantis.

   {Camel's thorn} (Bot.), a low, leguminous shrub ({Alhagi
      maurorum}) of the Arabian desert, from which exudes a
      sweetish gum, which is one of the substances called manna.
      [1913 Webster]