a cluster of small islands in the Indian ocean, 500 miles south-west of the continent of the island of Ceylon. They are about 1000 in number, and are very small; extending from the second degree of south latitude to the seventh degree of north latitude. They are generally black low lands, surrounded by rocks and sands. The natives are of the same complexion with the Arabians, profess the Mahometan Mahometan religion, and are subject to one sovereign. The channels between the islands are very narrow, and some of them are fordable. They produce neither rice, corn, nor herbage; but the natives live upon cocoanuts, and other fruits, roots, and fish. They carry on a little trade with the British Indian settlements, exchanging their salt-fish, turtle-shells, and cocoa, for rice, sugar, hardware, cloth, &c. They have also a considerable trade among themselves. Their manners are mild and inoffensive.

**MALE,** among zoologists, that sex of animals which has the parts of generation situated externally. See SEX and GENERATION.

The term male has also from some similitude to that sex in animals, been applied to several inanimate things; thus we say, a male flower, a male screw, &c. See MAS Plant, MASCULUS Flos, and SCREW; also FEMALE and FLOS.