duck-billed platypus
1
7.2
- noun
- /dʌkˈbɪld ˈplætɪpəs/
- Australian
:
ornitorrinco
Examples
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I refer specifically to the duck-billed platypus.
Fiction book (2000) -
It is generally the duck-billed platypus that gets mentioned in the same breath as God's sense of humor.
Blog text (3) -
I admire in particular, the bandicoot, the Rock wallaby and the duck-billed platypus.
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The duck-billed platypus is known for its unique characteristics, such as its flat tail and webbed feet.
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In Australia, the duck-billed platypus can often be found swimming in rivers and lakes.
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Researchers studied the duck-billed platypus to learn more about its rare ability to detect electric fields in the water.
Synonyms
15
5.8
A small Australian mammal that lays eggs and has a duck-like bill, webbed feet, and a flat tail
1
7.3
A small egg-laying mammal with a broad bill and webbed feet
A small Australian mammal with thick fur, webbed feet, and a broad flat bill that lays eggs
A small furry water animal in Australia and Tasmania with a broad duck-like bill and webbed feet
Surface Forms
Morphology
duck-billed + platypus
The phrase is fully compositional: 'duck-billed' describes having a bill like a duck and 'platypus' names a small egg-laying mammal, so together they denote a mammal with a duck-like bill. This literal, descriptive compound follows normal English formation and is cross-linguistically mirrored, so a B1 learner who knows the constituent words can readily infer the meaning.
Etymology
Duck-billed platypus paints a picture: it has a broad bill like a duck and wide, flat feet, and the word platypus originally meant 'flat foot'. So, the name helps you remember this small Australian mammal with a duck-like bill and flat feet.