You searched for: “hippopotami
hippopotamus (s), hippopotami (pl)
1. A large, amphibious, short-legged, thick-skinned African pachyderm related to the pigs (Hippopotamus amphibius), having a massive body and a very broad obtuse muzzle.
2. Among living quadruped, it ranks next to the elephant in size, but is still much smaller.
3. Etymology: "river horse".

The hippopotamus, whose name comes from two Greek words meaning, "river horse", as stated above; is one of the largest and heaviest land mammals. Its Latin name is Hippopotamus amphibius.

Although strictly a plant eater, the hippopotamus has massive jaws with formidable tusks, as well as an unpredictable temperament and the ability to bite through small boats and slice crocodiles in half.

Male hippos aggressively fight each other over territory; with tusks that can be up to 50 cm (20 in) long, and are sharp enough to rip open a lion or seriously wound a rival. Hippos live in Africa, and spend their lives partly in water and partly on land.

—Compiled from information found at
MSN.Encarta, Quiz Results, "Nature's Killers".
This entry is located in the following units: hippo-, hipp- (page 4) potamo-, potam- (page 1)