Main Entry:

platy·pus

Pronunciation:

\ˈpla-ti-pəs, -ˌpu̇s\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural platy·pus·es also platy·pi \-ˌpī, -ˌpē\

Etymology:

New Latin, from Greek platypous flat-footed, from platys broad, flat + pous foot — more at place, foot

Date:

1799

: a small carnivorous aquatic monotreme mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of eastern Australia and Tasmania that has a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, dense fur, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail —called also duck-billed platypus

[platypus illustration]