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]