'Hippopotamuses' definitions:

Definition of 'Hippopotamuses'

From: GCIDE
  • Hippopotamus \Hip`po*pot"a*mus\, n.; pl. E. Hippopotamuses, L. Hippopotami. [L., from Gr.?; "i`ppos horse + ? river. Cf. Equine.] (Zool.) A large, amphibious, herbivorous mammal ({Hippopotamus amphibius}), common in the rivers of tropical Africa. It is allied to the hogs, and has a very thick, naked skin, a thick and square head, a very large muzzle, small eyes and ears, thick and heavy body, and short legs. It is supposed to be the behemoth of the Bible. Called also zeekoe, and {river horse}. A smaller species (Hippopotamus Liberiencis) inhabits Western Africa. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'Hippopotamuses'