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Definition of platypus
platypuses
alsoplatypi
play \-ˌpī, -ˌpē\: 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
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Recent Examples of platypus from the Web
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There are three kinds of mammals: egg-laying monotremes such as the platypus, marsupials like kangaroos and opossums, and the majority—placental, or eutherian, mammals—including humans and about 4400 other mammal species.
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Doesn’t sound like a lion or a lamb, or even a platypus.
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The platypus's milk seeps through pores in its abdomen, not through teats as in all other mammals.
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Our favorite parts of the museum were: armadillo, platypus, owls, giraffe, two headed calf, and the open space for the 16 month old to run in.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'platypus'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of platypus
PLATYPUS Defined for English Language Learners
platypus
playDefinition of platypus for English Language Learners
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: a small animal from Australia that has a bill like the bill of a duck, webbed feet, and a wide flat tail
PLATYPUS Defined for Kids
platypus
playDefinition of platypus for Students
: a small water-dwelling mammal of Australia that lays eggs and has webbed feet, dense fur, and a bill that resembles that of a duck
Learn More about platypus
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See words that rhyme with platypus Spanish Central: Translation of platypus Nglish: Translation of platypus for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about platypus
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