Definition of platypus

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plat·y·pus    (plt-ps) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. plat·y·pus·es

A semiaquatic egg-laying mammal (Ornithorhynchus anatinus) of Australia and Tasmania, having a broad flat tail, webbed feet, and a snout resembling a duck's bill. Also called duckbill, duck-billed platypus.

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ETYMOLOGY:
New Latin Platyps, former genus name, from Greek platupous, flat-footed : platu-, platy- + pous, foot; see ped- in Indo-European roots