in zoology, a quadruped of the order of bovines, resembling the hippopotamus, has the fore-hoof divided into four, and the hind hoofs into three parts. The nose of the male extends far beyond the lower jaw, is slender, and forms a sort of proboscis; it is capable of being contracted or extended at pleasure, and its sides are fulcated. The extremities of both jaws end in a point, and there are ten cutting teeth in each. Between them and the grinders there is a vacant space; and there are ten grinders in each jaw. The ears are erect, the eyes small, and the body is shaped like that of a hog. The back is arched; the legs are short; and the hoofs small, black, and hollow. The tail is very small. The animal grows to the size of a heifer half a year old. The hair is short: when young, it is spotted with white; when old, of a dusky colour.—It inhabits the woods and rivers of the eastern side of South America, from the Isthmus of Darien to the river of Amazons. It sleeps during day in the darkest and thickest forest adjacent to the banks, and goes out in the night-time in search of food. It lives on grass, fruit-canes, and on fruits. If disturbed, it takes to the water; swims very well; or sinks below, and, like the hippopotamus, walks on the bottom as on dry ground. It makes a sort of hissing noise.—This is the largest of the American animals.