noun
A mythical crocodile or other sea-animal, variously represented in Indian art; (in Indian contexts) the equivalent of Capricorn in the signs of the zodiac.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Edward Green Balfour (1813–1889), surgeon and naturalist. From Sanskrit makara crocodile, kind of sea-monster, name of the tenth sign of the zodiac; of uncertain etymology.
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