The 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]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

Giraffa camelopardalis
    n 1: tallest living quadruped; having a spotted coat and small
         horns and very long neck and legs; of savannahs of tropical
         Africa [syn: giraffe, camelopard, Giraffa
         camelopardalis]