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.
"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
Even in Australia itself the ornithorhynchus and echidna have had to put up perforce with the lower places in the hierarchy of nature.
From Falling in Love With Other Essays on More Exact Branches of Science by Allen, Grant
Nevertheless, she dashed down the avenue at the top of her speed, when Joyce called out, tantalisingly, "The last one through the gate is a jibbering ornithorhynchus!"
From The Little Colonel's House Party by Johnston, Annie F. (Annie Fellows)
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.
