platypus

[ plat-i-puh s, -poo s ]

/ ˈplæt ɪ pəs, -ˌpʊs /

noun, plural plat·y·pus·es, plat·y·pi [plat-i-pahy] /ˈplæt ɪˌpaɪ/.

a small, aquatic, egg-laying monotreme, Ornithorhynchus anatinus, of Australia and Tasmania, having webbed feet, a tail like that of a beaver, a sensitive bill resembling that of a duck, and, in adult males, venom-injecting spurs on the ankles of the hind limbs, used primarily for fighting with other males during the breeding season.

Words nearby platypus

platykurtic, platykurtosis, platypellic pelvis, platypnea, platypod, platypus, platyrrhine, platysma, platyspondylia, plaudit, plauen

Origin of platypus

1790–1800; < New Latin < Greek platýpous flat-footed, equivalent to platy- platy- + -pous, adj. derivative of poús foot

Also called duckbill, duckbilled platypus.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for platypus

The undoubted likeness which their molar teeth show to the temporary teeth of the Platypus have already been commented upon.
The Cambridge Natural History, Vol X., Mammalia|Frank Evers Beddard
Then, too, it's so difficult to be polite to the Platypus, because one never knows how to behave towards it.
Dot and the Kangaroo|Ethel C. Pedley
His platypus escaped from its cage in the stable and sought refuge in our front yard.
The House|Eugene Field
It reminded Dot of the journey they had made to find the Platypus, for there were the same beautiful growths of fern and shrubs.
Dot and the Kangaroo|Ethel C. Pedley

The Platypus is so learned and so instructive, that no one tries to understand it; it is not expected that anyone should.
Dot and the Kangaroo|Ethel C. Pedley

British Dictionary definitions for platypus

platypus

/ (ˈplætɪpəs) /

noun plural -puses

See duck-billed platypus

Word Origin for platypus

C18: New Latin, from platy- + -pus, from Greek pous foot

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012