What’s the plural of “platypus”?
The plural of platypus is commonly thought to be platypi, which would be the correct plural if platypus were a Latin noun.
Contrary to mainstream belief, the word platypus is not etymologically Latin. The platypus species was discovered in southern Australia, but the word platypus favours the Mediterranean region and is originally a Greek word. Its Greek form is platypous, which literally translates to, “flat-footed”. If the Greek pluralization were around in modern English, it would be platypodes.
As it stands today, the plural most accepted is platypuses. This is the pluralization that most dictionaries recognize, and it’s what the vast majority of people use. So, as the old saying goes, ‘what’s good for the goose is good for the gander‘, and that’s good enough for us.
What’s the singular of platypus?
Platypus is a singular noun. Platypuses is plural for platypus.
What are platypusses?
National Geographic describes the species and animal platypus as:
A hodgepodge of more familiar species: the duck (bill and webbed feet), beaver (tail), and otter (body and fur).
Latin words in English
| singular | plural |
| cactus | cacti (or cactuses) |
| octopus | octopi (or octopuses) |
| radius | radi (or radiuses) |
| fungus | fungi (or funguses) |
| alumnus | alumni (or almunuses) |
| syllabus | syllabi (or syllabuses) |
Examples of “platypus” used in sentences
Sometimes known as a duck-billed platypus, this curious mammal combines the characteristics of many different species in one.
The duck-billed platypus is a truly bizarre creature.
Don’t let him go running amuck, Bill Just, mind me platypus duck.
The platypus swims through the use of webbed feet.
Examples of “platypuses” in sentences
Platypuses use their nails and feet to construct dirt burrows at the water’s edge.
Who but the creator of the series could come up with a noir crime series staring platypuses.
On land, platypuses move a bit more awkwardly.
Platypuses do not have teeth, so the bits of gravel help them to “chew” their meal.
Origin of the word platypus
”Australian duck-mole,” 1799, from Modern Latin, from Greek platypous, literally “flat-footed,” from platys “broad, flat” (from PIE root *plat- “to spread”) + pous “foot,” from PIE root *ped- “foot.”
Sources
- Definition of platypus.
- Sentences using platypus.
- Origin of platypus.
