Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Manatee \Man`a*tee"\, n. [Sp. manat['i], from the native name in
   Hayti. Cf. {Lamantin}.] (Zo["o]l.)
   Any species of {Trichechus}, a genus of sirenians; -- called
   also{sea cow}. [Written also {manaty}, {manati}.]

   Note: 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.

Source : WordNet®

Trichechus
     n : type and sole genus of the Trichechidae [syn: {genus
         Trichecus}]