manatee \man`a*tee"\, n. [Sp. manat['i], from the native name in
Haiti. Cf. {Lamantin}.] (Zool.)
Any species of {Trichechus}, a genus of sirenians; -- called
also {sea cow}. [Written also {manaty}, {manati}.]
[1913 Webster]
Note: One species ({Trichechus Senegalensis}) inhabits the
west coast of Africa; another ({Trichechus Americanus})
inhabits the east coast of South America, and the
West-Indies. The Florida manatee ({Trichechus
latirostris}) is by some considered a distinct species,
by others it is thought to be a variety of {Trichechus
Americanus}. It sometimes becomes fifteen feet or more
in length, and lives both in fresh and salt water. It
was hunted for its oil and flesh, and every species is
now an endangered species.
[1913 Webster]