n.; pl. E. Hippopotamuses L. Hippopotami [ L., from Gr.&unr_;; "i`ppos horse + &unr_; 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]