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The Collaborative International Dictionary
Hippopotamus amphibius

Hippopotamus \Hip`po*pot"a*mus\, n.; pl. E. Hippopotamuses, L. Hippopotami. [L., from Gr.?; "i`ppos horse + ? river. Cf. Equine.] (Zo["o]l.) 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.