ornithorhynchus
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of ornithorhynchus
1790–1800; < New Latin: genus name, equivalent to ornitho- ornitho- + -rhynchus < Greek rhýnchos bill
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Unless, for instance, the person already knew certain characteristics of both birds and animals, he could not interpret the ornithorhynchus as a bird-beaked animal.
From Ontario Normal School Manuals: Science of Education by Ontario. Ministry of Education
The webbed feet of the seal and ornithorhynchus typify the period when the hands and feet of the human embryo are as yet only partly subdivided into fingers and toes.
From Plain Facts for Old and Young by Kellogg, John Harvey
"But," ventured the Mistress, "if Symonds says 'Thumbs down,' then—" "Then I'll buy a pet armadillo or an ornithorhynchus instead," threatened the Master.
From Bruce by Terhune, Albert Payson
The guest had little difficulty, in recognising the uncouth form of the ornithorhynchus, or water-mole; but he turned with yet more eagerness, towards the spot, whence that shot had proceeded.
From A Love Story by A Bushman
There is, too, the Tasmanian devil, a small but formidable animal, something like a badger, and the ornithorhynchus, or duck-billed platypus, which figures on some of the postage stamps.
From Six Letters From the Colonies by Seaton, R. C. (Robert Cooper)
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
