platypus

noun platy·pus \ ˈpla-ti-pəs , -ˌpu̇s \

|Updated on: 5 Jun 2018

Definition of platypus

plural platypuses also platypi play \ˈpla-ti-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

There are only two kinds of egg-laying mammals in existence today – the platypus and the spiny anteater species.

— james rogers, Fox News, "Discovery of 'reptilian-mammal' fossil could rewrite history," 29 May 2018
Why is the protein only present in platypus milk, and not in other mammals?

— jared gilmour, miamiherald, "Platypuses sweat milk from their bellies — and it could help save us from superbugs, scientists say | Miami Herald," 16 Mar. 2018
For instance, the continent is home to more than 378 mammal species, which range from the rain forest-dwelling tree kangaroo to the venomous platypus.

— National Geographic, "Meet Brian the Rescued 'Mini-Kangaroo'," 5 Apr. 2018
The animals there are interesting, too, like kangaroos, koala bears and platypuses.

— todd shields, chicagotribune.com, "Shout Out: Tyler Hoffman, a Barrington eighth grader competing in National Geographic's statewide bee," 22 Mar. 2018
The platypus is part of a small group of animals called monotremes, which lay eggs and produce milk to feed their young.

— maria clark, NOLA.com, "Platypus milk could be a weapon to fight infection: Report," 19 Mar. 2018
The platypus is about as bizarre and contradictory as animals come.

— jared gilmour, miamiherald, "Platypuses sweat milk from their bellies — and it could help save us from superbugs, scientists say | Miami Herald," 16 Mar. 2018
Australia is full of cute animals—wombats, bandicoots, potoroos, echidnas, wallabies, platypuses, quokkas and koalas just to name a few.

— jason daley, Smithsonian, "The Super-cute Eastern Quoll Returns to Mainland Australia," 16 Mar. 2018
The platypus is so unusual that European naturalists and scientists initially believed the animal to be an elaborate hoax.

— andrea rumbaugh, Houston Chronicle, "See unusual animals at the Taronga Zoo in Sydney, Australia," 12 Feb. 2018

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.