walrus

2 definitions found

walrus - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Walrus \Wal"rus\, n. [D. walrus; of Scand. origin; cf. Dan
     valros, Sw. vallross, Norw. hvalros; literally, whale horse;
     akin to Icel. hrosshvalr, AS. horshwael. See Whale, and
     Horse.] (Zool.)
     A very large marine mammal (Trichecus rosmarus) of the Seal
     family, native of the Arctic Ocean. The male has long and
     powerful tusks descending from the upper jaw. It uses these
     in procuring food and in fighting. It is hunted for its oil,
     ivory, and skin. It feeds largely on mollusks. Called also
     morse.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: The walrus of the North Pacific and Behring Strait
           (Trichecus obesus) is regarded by some as a distinct
           species, by others as a variety of the common walrus.
           [1913 Webster]

walrus - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  walrus
      n 1: either of two large northern marine mammals having ivory
           tusks and tough hide over thick blubber [syn: walrus,
           seahorse, sea horse]