platypusary
English
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/32/Ornithorhynchus.jpg/220px-Ornithorhynchus.jpg)
Alternative forms
Etymology
Blend of platypus + nursery, coined by Australian naturalist Henry Burrell (1873–1945), the first person who succeeded in constructing a functioning platypusary.
Pronunciation
Noun
platypusary (plural platypusaries)
- A place where platypuses are nurtured.
- 1944, David Howells Fleay, We breed the platypus, page 14:
- It was Mr. Harry Burrell, of Sydney, who first designed an intricate model home for the platypus and coined for it the obviously suitable name of "Platypusary".
- 1974, Dal Stivens, The incredible egg: a billion year journey, page 354:
- When building "platypusaries" in zoos and sanctuaries it is essential to ensure that man-made tunnels are tight-fitting.
- 1980, David Howells Fleay, Paradoxical Platypus: Hobnobbing with Duckbills, page 106:
- There was nothing for it but to install the three duckbills in the travelling platypusary in one of the Pan American hangars and hope for the best.