Man`a*tee" (?), n. [Sp. manat�xa1;, from the native name in Hayti. Cf. Lamantin.] Zool.
Any species of Trichechus, a genus of sirenians; -- called alsosea cow.
[Written also
manaty,
manati.]
One species (Trichechus Senegalensis) inhabits the west coast of Africa; another (T. Americanus) inhabits the east coast of South America, and the West-Indies. The Florida manatee (T. latirostris) is by some considered a distinct species, by others it is thought to be a variety of T. Americanus. It sometimes becomes fifteen feet or more in length, and lives both in fresh and salt water. It is hunted for its oil and flesh.
© Webster 1913.