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]