"What's the plural of platypus?"
The plural of platypus is platypuses or platypi.
Definition of platypus:
A small semi-aquatic mammal with webbed feet, native to Australia and Tasmania. A member of the Ornithorhynchus anatinus family.
Platypuses or Platypi?
The plural form of the word "platypus" is "platypuses" or "platypi." Both forms are acceptable, but "platypuses" is more commonly used.
The word "platypus" is the singular form of the word, and it refers to a semi-aquatic mammal that is native to Australia and New Guinea. The word "platypus" is derived from the Latin word "platypus," which means "flat-footed."
The plural form of the word "platypus," which is "platypuses," is formed by adding -es to the singular form.
This is a common way to form the plural of words that end in -us. However, the alternative form "platypi" is also sometimes used.
This form is derived from the Latin word "platypi," which is the plural form of "platypus." Both "platypuses" and "platypi" are acceptable plural forms of the word "platypus."
As you can see from the graph below, the preferred plural form of platypus in written English since 1900 is platypuses.
Plural of Platypus Example Sentences
Here are some example sentences to illustrate the use of the singular and plural forms of the word "platypus":
Singular: "The platypus is a semi-aquatic mammal that is native to Australia and New Guinea."
Plural, using "platypuses": "Platypuses are known for their unique appearance, which includes a beaver-like tail, a duck-like bill, and webbed feet."
Plural, using "platypi": "Platypi are among the few mammals that lay eggs instead of giving birth to live young."
In the first example, "platypus" is used in the singular form to refer to a single individual of this species.
In the second and third examples, the plural form "platypuses" and "platypi" are used to refer to multiple individuals of this species.
Platypuses vs. platypi
The graph shows the occurances of the plural of platypus in written English since 1800 using Google's Ngram Viewer.
Fun Fact:
Platypuses are one of a small number of venemous mammals. Despite their cute exterior, the males have venemous spurs which can be very painful to humans.
Sources:
https://www.wwf.org.au/news/blogs/8-interesting-platypus-facts
