platypus

/ˈplætɪpəs/

noun

  1. A small, semi-aquatic egg-laying mammal native to eastern Australia and Tasmania, with a broad flat bill, webbed feet, and a beaver-like tail.

    B1

    countable

    • "We saw a platypus swimming in the river."A2
    • "The platypus is one of only a few mammals that lay eggs."B1
    • "Scientists were astonished when the first platypus specimens reached Europe, as many initially suspected the animal to be a hoax."B2

Common mistakes

  • platipus→platypus

    Common misspelling — the correct spelling keeps the 'y' after 'plat'.

  • platypi→platypuses

    The plural is 'platypuses' (or just 'platypus'); 'platypi' is a joking pseudo-Latin form based on a misanalysis of the Greek ending.

Collocations

duck-billed platypusplatypus billplatypus venom