where did manatees get their names?

Answer 1

The etymology (word origin) dictionary agrees with the origin from "manati" for "breast" or "udder", but also gives the alternate origin of "manatus" for "having hands" from the shape and use of its flippers.

Answer 2

The name manatee comes from the Haitian word "manati." The
scientific genus name Trichechus is Latin for hair. "Sea cow" is
also a common term for manatees and dugongs. This name likely comes
from the fact that manatees are herbivores (plant-eaters), as are
cows.

Answer 3

The actual origin of the word is unknown, but the latin form of classification Trichos meaning Hair referring to these animals' bristly snouts. The species name manatus is probably a Latinized version of the Spanish word manati, which is the Caribbean common name of this marine mammal.

Trichechus manatus


Just an FYI for those of you quoting wikipedia this is a web page built by anyone who want to contribute and not always based on true facts or totally complete. Anyone can edit the information on this web page at any time.

Answer 4

man·a·tee /ˈmænəˌti, ˌmænəˈti/ Pronunciation Key - Show Spelled Pronunciation[man-uh-tee, man-uh-tee] Pronunciation Key - Show IPA Pronunciation
–noun any of several plant-eating aquatic mammals of the genus Trichechus, of West Indian, Floridian, and Gulf Coast waters, having two flippers in front and a broad, spoon-shaped tail: all species are endangered.

Answer 5

The name comes from the Spanish manatí, which itself comes from a Carib word meaning "breast."

or the name comes from the Family Guy creators because they themselves are the true creators of Family guy, not Seth McFarlene and his staff... according to South Park....:/

Answer 6

name comes from the Spanish manatí, which itself comes from a Carib word meaning "breast."
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manatee

Answer 7

to be honest with you I really dont know,but I do know that they are known as "sea cows"! sea cows are an endangerd spieces and they are very friendly and they will not harm humans.In florida there are places that allow people to swim with these beautiful creatures. they can be seen lazily swimming through the canals and rivers all through florida.