# platypus

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈplætɪpəs/ · frequency rank #42,340

## Definitions
1. A semiaquatic monotreme from eastern Australia with a bill resembling that of a duck, that has a mole-like body, a tail resembling that of a beaver, a waterproof pelt, and flat webbed feet (Ornithorhynchus anatinus).

## Etymology
From New Latin Platypus (originally a genus name already in use for a type of beetle), from Ancient Greek πλατύπους (platúpous, “flat-footed”), from πλατύς (platús, “flat”) + πούς (poús, “foot”). Piecewise doublet of flatfoot.

## Easily confused with
- **plateaus** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/plateaus-vs-platypus)

## Common misspellings (13)
`lpatypus`, `paltypus`, `platpyus`, `plattypus`, `platyppus`, `platypsu`, `platypuss`, `platyups`, `platyypus`, `playtpus`, `pllatypus`, `pltaypus`, `pplatypus`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/platypus