Manatee: meaning, definitions and examples
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manatee
[mษหnรฆti ]
Definition
marine animal
A manatee, often referred to as a sea cow, is a large, herbivorous marine mammal that inhabits shallow, warm coastal waters. These gentle giants are part of the order Sirenia and are known for their slow movements and friendly disposition. Manatees have a paddle-shaped tail and flippers that allow them to maneuver through aquatic vegetation. They primarily feed on seagrasses and other aquatic plants. Manatees are also recognized for their significant role in their ecosystems as grazers, helping to maintain healthy seagrass beds.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The manatee floated gracefully through the warm waters.
- Wildlife enthusiasts gathered to see the manatees during the tour.
- Manatees are often at risk due to boat collisions.
- I saw a manatee while snorkeling in the lagoon.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word 'manatee' comes from the Spanish word 'manatรญ', which is derived from the Taรญno word for the animal, 'manatรญ'.
- Historically, manatees were known as 'sea cows' because they graze on underwater plants like cattle do on land.
Conservation
- Manatees are classified as threatened due to habitat loss, watercraft collisions, and cold stress.
- Efforts to protect manatees include regulated boating areas, rescues, and rehabilitation programs for injured animals.
History
- Sailors in the 15th century mistook manatees for mermaids, leading to mythical tales of mermaid sightings.
- Indigenous people in the Americas have hunted manatees for years, using their meat for food and skin for tools.
Biology
- Manatees can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes while resting underwater but usually come up for air every 3 to 5 minutes.
- Weighing between 800 to 1200 pounds, these mammals can reach lengths of up to 13 feet, making them the largest herbivorous marine animals.
Pop Culture
- In Disney's 'The Little Mermaid,' a manatee is one of the sea creatures that inhabit Ariel's underwater world.
- Manatees are often featured in documentaries and wildlife programs, portraying them as gentle giants and highlighting their conservation needs.
Translations
Translations of the word "manatee" in other languages:
๐ต๐น manatรญ
๐ฎ๐ณ เคฎเฅเคจเคพเคเฅ
๐ฉ๐ช Manati
๐ฎ๐ฉ manatee
๐บ๐ฆ ะผะฐะฝะฐัะตะน
๐ต๐ฑ manat
๐ฏ๐ต ใใใใฃ
๐ซ๐ท manchot
๐ช๐ธ manatรญ
๐น๐ท manat
๐ฐ๐ท ๋งค๋ํฐ
๐ธ๐ฆ ู ุงูุงุชู
๐จ๐ฟ manatee
๐ธ๐ฐ manatee
๐จ๐ณ ๆตท็
๐ธ๐ฎ manatee
๐ฎ๐ธ manatee
๐ฐ๐ฟ ะผะฐะฝะฐัะธ
๐ฌ๐ช แแแแแขแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ manat
๐ฒ๐ฝ manatรญ
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #33,075 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
- ...
- 33072 yummy
- 33073 unmerciful
- 33074 capsize
- 33075 manatee
- 33076 sizzled
- 33077 gladsome
- 33078 neurotoxin
- ...