D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Hippopotamus

/hĭpˌ-əp-ät'-əm-əs/ · Hip·po·pot·a·mus · IPA /ˌhɪp.əˈpɑ.tə.məs/
01 n. A large, amphibious, herbivorous mammal (Hippopotamus amphibius), common in the rivers of tropical Africa. It is allied to the hogs, and ha…
pl. Hippopotamuses, Hippopotami ((#))
  1. 1.
    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.(Zool.) Also: zeekoe, river horse