platypusary

Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word platypusary. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word platypusary, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say platypusary in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word platypusary you have here. The definition of the word platypusary will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition ofplatypusary, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.

English

A platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)

Alternative forms

Etymology

From platypus +‎ -ary, coined by Australian naturalist Henry Burrell (1873–1945), the first person who succeeded in constructing a functioning platypusary.[1]

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈplætɪpʊsəɹi/
  • Hyphenation: pla‧ty‧pus‧ary

Noun

platypusary (plural platypusaries)

  1. (Australia) A place where platypuses are nurtured.
    • 1944, David Howells Fleay, We breed the platypus, page 14:
      It was Mr. Harry Burrell, of Sydney, who first designed an intricate model home for the platypus and coined for it the obviously suitable name of "Platypusary".
    • 1974, Dal Stivens, The incredible egg: a billion year journey, page 354:
      When building "platypusaries" in zoos and sanctuaries it is essential to ensure that man-made tunnels are tight-fitting.
    • 1980, David Howells Fleay, Paradoxical Platypus: Hobnobbing with Duckbills, page 106:
      There was nothing for it but to install the three duckbills in the travelling platypusary in one of the Pan American hangars and hope for the best.

Translations

References

  1. ^ platypussary, n.”, in OED Online Paid subscription required, Oxford: Oxford University Press, launched 2000.