platypus
Definition from Wiktionary, the free dictionary
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English [edit]
Etymology [edit]
From Medieval Latin Platypus (originally a genus name, but already used for a type of beetle), from Ancient Greek πλατύπους (platypous, “flat-footed”), from πλατύς (platys, “flat”) + πούς (pous, “foot”).
Pronunciation [edit]
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Audio (US) (file)
Noun [edit]
platypus (plural: platypuses, or platypus; common, pseudo-latin: platypi; rare, pedantic: platypodes)
- An egg-laying, semi-aquatic mammal with a bill resembling that of a duck, that has a mole-like body, a tail resembling that of a beaver, a waterproof pelt, and flat webbed feet — males have poisonous spurs on the inside of the back legs; Ornithorhynchus anatinus
- 2008 March 2, “Captive platypus twins make history”, ABC News:
- Victoria's Healesville Sanctuary is celebrating the births of two baby platypuses, in a major milestone.
- 2008 March 2, “Captive platypus twins make history”, ABC News:
Quotations [edit]
- For usage examples of this term, see the citations page.
Synonyms [edit]
Derived terms [edit]
Translations [edit]
Ornithorhynchus anatinus
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