manatee

[ man-uh-tee, man-uh-tee ]

noun

1. any of several plant-eating aquatic mammals of the genus Trichechus, of West Indian, Floridian, and Gulf Coast waters, having two flippers in front and a broad, spoon-shaped tail: all species are endangered.

manatee

/ ˈmænəˌtiː, ˌmænəˈtiː /

noun

1. any sirenian mammal of the genus Trichechus, occurring in tropical coastal waters of America, the Caribbean, and Africa: family Trichechidae. They resemble whales and have a prehensile upper lip and a broad flattened tail

Derived Forms

• ˈmanaˌtoid, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of manatee¹

1545–55; < Spanish manatí < Carib, but associated with Latin manātus provided with hands

Word History and Origins

Origin of manatee¹

C16: via Spanish from Carib Manattouī

Example Sentences

New research suggests that while manatees are an indelible part of Florida's seascape, they might also be relatively new residents in the Sunshine State.

From Science Daily

"The first time I got into the water with manatees, I saw them being super playful with each other. They were curious and inquisitive," he said.

From BBC

“If people understood the life, the importance, the habits of these creatures — whether sharks or whales or manatees — they would acquire a reverence,” Mr. Ellis told The New York Times in 2012.

From New York Times

It’s more difficult to rehabilitate an animal like a sawfish than it is for an air-breathing marine creature, such as a dolphin or manatee, officials say.

From Seattle Times

Kilduff said the center also is concerned about manatees that swim in the San Juan Bay, where they depend on seagrass for food and are struck by ships.

From Seattle Times