ornithorhynchus

American  

[awr-nuh-thuh-ring-kuhs] / ˌɔr nə θəˈrɪŋ kəs /

noun

1. the platypus.

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ornithorhynchus British  

/ ˌɔːnɪθəʊˈrɪŋkəs /

noun

1. the technical name for duck-billed platypus

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Etymology

Origin of ornithorhynchus

1790–1800; < New Latin: genus name, equivalent to ornitho- ornitho- + -rhynchus < Greek rhýnchos bill

Example Sentences

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)

Mr. Kinsey gave me an ornithorhynchus, and I am taming it.

From Following the Equator, Part 4 by Twain, Mark

But we must state that it is scientifically false to ask oneself if the dog be beautiful, and the ornithorhynchus ugly; if the lily be beautiful, and the artichoke ugly.

From Aesthetic as Science of Expression and General Linguistic by Croce, Benedetto

"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

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)