ornithorhynchus

American  

[awr-nuh-thuh-ring-kuhs] / ˌɔr nə θəˈrɪŋ kəs /

noun

1. the platypus.

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ornithorhynchus British  

/ ˌɔːnɪθəʊˈrɪŋkəs /

noun

1. the technical name for duck-billed platypus

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Etymology

Origin of ornithorhynchus

1790–1800; < New Latin: genus name, equivalent to ornitho- ornitho- + -rhynchus < Greek rhýnchos bill

Example Sentences

"But," ventured the Mistress, "if Symonds says 'Thumbs down,' then—" "Then I'll buy a pet armadillo or an ornithorhynchus instead," threatened the Master.

From Bruce by Terhune, Albert Payson

There is, too, the Tasmanian devil, a small but formidable animal, something like a badger, and the ornithorhynchus, or duck-billed platypus, which figures on some of the postage stamps.

From Six Letters From the Colonies by Seaton, R. C. (Robert Cooper)

The oldest types of animals in Australia are the ornithorhynchus and the echidna, the 'beast with a bill,' and the 'porcupine ant-eater' of popular natural history.

From Falling in Love With Other Essays on More Exact Branches of Science by Allen, Grant

Mr. Kinsey gave me an ornithorhynchus, and I am taming it.

From Following the Equator, Part 4 by Twain, Mark

Nevertheless, she dashed down the avenue at the top of her speed, when Joyce called out, tantalisingly, "The last one through the gate is a jibbering ornithorhynchus!"

From The Little Colonel's House Party by Johnston, Annie F. (Annie Fellows)