platypus
1 synonym for platypus, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — An egg-laying, semi-aquatic Australian mammal with a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
duckbill
Etymology
From Greek platypous, "flat-footed" — platys, "flat," plus pous, "foot."
Full origin of platypus →Frequently asked questions
What does “platypus” mean?
The word “platypus” means an egg-laying, semi-aquatic Australian mammal with a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail. In plain terms, a strange-looking egg-laying mammal from Australia with a duck-like bill.
How do you pronounce “platypus”?
“Platypus” is pronounced PLA-tih-puhs (/ˈplætɪˌpʊs/ in IPA).
How do you use “platypus” in a sentence?
Here is “platypus” used in a sentence: “The platypus is one of only a few mammals that lay eggs.”
What part of speech is “platypus”?
“Platypus” is a noun.
Where does the word “platypus” come from?
The word “platypus” comes from Greek. From Greek platypous, "flat-footed" — platys, "flat," plus pous, "foot.".
