Main Entry:

ot·ter

Pronunciation:

\ˈä-tər\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural otters also otter

Etymology:

Middle English oter, from Old English otor; akin to Old High German ottar otter, Greek hydōr water — more at water

Date:

before 12th century

1 : any of various largely aquatic carnivorous mammals (as genus Lutra or Enhydra) of the weasel family that usually have webbed and clawed feet and dark brown fur 2 : the fur or pelt of an otter

[otter illustration]