Illustration of platypus
platypus
noun
platy·pus
ˈpla-ti-pəs 
-ˌpu̇s
-ˌpu̇s
plural platypuses also platypi
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
Examples of platypus in a Sentence
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Many people first learn about the platypus as a child, including the daughter of Di Wei, a researcher at Beijing Institute and the lead author of a paper published in the journal Science Advances.
—
Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024
The platypus is famously recognized for its wide range of zoological oddities.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024
Other nocturnal mammals such as platypuses and flying squirrels also glow under UV light.
—Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 14 Aug. 2024
For instance, monotremes such as the platypus and echidna belong to a unique and ancient class of mammals.
—Gat Rauner, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2024
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Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024
The platypus is famously recognized for its wide range of zoological oddities.
—Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 25 Sep. 2024
Other nocturnal mammals such as platypuses and flying squirrels also glow under UV light.
—Byrodrigo Pérez Ortega, science.org, 14 Aug. 2024
For instance, monotremes such as the platypus and echidna belong to a unique and ancient class of mammals.
—Gat Rauner, The Conversation, 13 Aug. 2024
See all Example Sentences for platypus
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Cite this Entry
“Platypus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platypus. Accessed 27 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationKids Definition
platypus
noun
platy·pus
ˈplat-i-pəs
-ˌpu̇s
-ˌpu̇s
plural platypuses also platypi
-ˌpī
-ˌpē
: a small water-dwelling egg-laying mammal of eastern Australia and Tasmania with a fleshy bill resembling that of a duck, webbed feet, and a broad flattened tail
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