masai giraffe

1 definition found

masai giraffe - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  giraffe \gi*raffe"\ (j[i^]*r[a^]f"; 277), n. [F. girafe, Sp.
     girafa, from Ar. zur[=a]fa, zar[=a]fa.] (Zool.)
     An African ruminant (Giraffa camelopardalis formerly
     Camelopardalis giraffa) related to the deers and antelopes,
     but placed in a family (Giraffidae) by itself; the
     camelopard. It is the tallest of quadriped animals, being
     sometimes twenty feet from the hoofs to the top of the head.
     Its neck is very long, and its fore legs are much longer than
     its hind legs. There are three types, having different
     patterns of spots on the pelt and different territories: the
     Reticulated Giraffe, the Masai Giraffe, and the Uganda Giraffe
     . Intermediate crosses are also observed.
     [1913 Webster +PJC]