English Explanatory Dictionary

platypus

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A semiaquatic monotreme from eastern Australia with a bill resembling that of a duck, that has a mole-like body, a tail resembling that of a beaver, a waterproof pelt, and flat webbed feet (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).

Pronunciation

/ˈplætɪpəs/ /ˈplætɪpʊs/ /ˈplætɪˌpʊs/ en-au-platypus.ogg en-us-platypus.ogg

Word forms

platypus platypuses platypi platypodes

Etymology

From New Latin Platypus (originally a genus name already in use for a type of beetle), from Ancient Greek πλατύπους (platúpous, “flat-footed”), from πλατύς (platús, “flat”) + πούς (poús, “foot”). Piecewise doublet of flatfoot.

Synonyms

duck-billed platypus duckbill duckmole mallangong tambreet water mole

Related words

echidna

Derived words

platypusary
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