C18: New Latin, from platy- + -pus, from Greek pous foot
platypus in American English
(ˈplætəpəs)
nounWord forms: pluralˈplatypuses or ˈplatyˌpi (ˈplætɪˌpaɪ)
a small, aquatic, egg-laying monotreme mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of Australia and Tasmania, with webbed feet, a beaverlike tail, and a ducklike bill; duckbill
Word origin
ModL < Gr platypous, flatfooted < platys, flat (see platy-) + pous, foot