Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Sirenian

Si-re′ni-an

,
Noun.
(Zool.)
Any species of Sirenia.

Definition 2024


sirenian

sirenian

English

Noun

sirenian (plural sirenians)

  1. (zoology) Any of a group of aquatic, herbivorous mammals, of the order Sirenia, including the manatees and dugong.
    • 2011, Richard Shelton, "Sheep, pig, whale", Times Literary Supplement, 22 Sep 2011:
      The cetaceans (whales and dolphins) together with the sirenians (sea cows and manatees) are the sea mammals best-adapted to the seas of today, but it is the cetaceans that have most engaged the attention of mankind as both prey and fellow sentient being.