platypus

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

Updated on: 11 Apr 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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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
Here's the pitch: Nicolaisen's barbecue tongue-wielding character challenges Dr. Pepper vendors a three of whom include Heisman Trophy winner Doug Flutie, longtime NFL receiver Steve Smith and a platypus a to a game of two-hand touch football.

— andrew greif, OregonLive.com, "The closest the Ducks will come to the latest College Football Playoff might be this UO linebacker-turned-actor," 1 Jan. 2018
Wieczner and Hackett liken this to scientists’ inability in the 18th century to characterize a platypus, which has the characteristics of several animal categories.

— adam lashinsky, Fortune, "Data Sheet—Artificial Scarcity of Bitcoin Won't Justify Its High Price," 21 Dec. 2017

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.

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Origin and Etymology of platypus

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

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First Known Use: 1799

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PLATYPUS Defined for English Language Learners

platypus

noun

Definition of platypus for English Language Learners

: 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

noun platy·pus \ ˈpla-ti-pəs \

Definition 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

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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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