English edit

 
Trichechus manatus

Etymology edit

Borrowed from Spanish manatí, from a Cariban-language term meaning ‘breast’, ultimately from Proto-Cariban *manatɨ; compare Kari'na manaty, Trió manatï, Apalaí manaty, Akawaio manatï, Pemon manatü, Macushi manatî.

Pronunciation edit

  • (UK) enPR: mănʹə-tēˊ, IPA(key): /ˈmæn.əˌtiː/
    • (file)
  • Rhymes: -ænəti

Noun edit

manatee (plural manatees or manatee)

  1. Any of several plant-eating marine mammals, of family Trichechidae, found in tropical regions.
    • 1988, Tampa Bay Magazine (Sept–Oct 1988, page 60)
      The ecological importance of the manatee is clear; scientists have demonstrated the dependancy[sic] of all components of an ecosystem on one another . . .

Synonyms edit

Derived terms edit

Descendants edit

  • Japanese: マナティー (manatī)
  • Korean: 매너티 (maeneoti)
  • Welsh: manatî

Translations edit

See also edit

Anagrams edit