ORNITHORHYNCHUS Meaning and
Definition
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Ornithorhynchus is a noun that refers to a genus of primitive, egg-laying mammals native to Australia, commonly known as the platypus. The word is derived from the Greek terms "ornis" meaning bird and "rhynchos" meaning nose, reflecting the unusual appearance of this creature's bill.
The ornithorhynchus is characterized by its unique combination of features, incorporating various traits of different animal species. It possesses a broad, flat bill similar to that of a duck or a platypus, which is lined with sensitive skin capable of detecting electrical signals emitted by its prey. Furthermore, this creature has a streamlined body covered in thick, waterproof fur, resembling that of an otter or a beaver.
This unusual animal has a dual lifestyle, as it is both semiaquatic and semi-terrestrial. Its webbed feet enable it to swim gracefully in water, while on land it moves with a somewhat awkward gait due to its stumpy legs. The ornithorhynchus is predominantly a nocturnal animal, feeding on small invertebrates, insect larvae, and aquatic creatures.
The reproductive system of the ornithorhynchus is also remarkably unique. Females lay leathery eggs that they incubate in burrows, after which they nurse their young with milk produced by mammary glands. This adaptability to both terrestrial and aquatic environments, along with its distinct appearance and reproductive characteristics, makes the ornithorhynchus a remarkable and fascinating creature within the animal kingdom.
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A fur-covered animal, web-footed, with a flat horny beak like a duck, peculiar to the fresh-water rivers of Australia and Tasmania-known also by the names of duck-bill, water-mole, and platypus.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for ORNITHORHYNCHUS
- irnithorhynchus
- krnithorhynchus
- lrnithorhynchus
- prnithorhynchus
- 0rnithorhynchus
- 9rnithorhynchus
- oenithorhynchus
- odnithorhynchus
- ofnithorhynchus
- otnithorhynchus
- o5nithorhynchus
- o4nithorhynchus
- orbithorhynchus
- ormithorhynchus
- orjithorhynchus
- orhithorhynchus
- ornuthorhynchus
- ornjthorhynchus
- ornkthorhynchus
Etymology of ORNITHORHYNCHUS
The word "ornithorhynchus" originated from Greek. The base of the word, "ornitho-" (ὄρνις) means "bird", while "-rhynchus" (-ρύγχος) means "snout" or "beak". Together, "ornithorhynchus" translates to "bird beak" or "bird snout", describing the unique duck-like bill of the platypus, which is a mammal.
Similar spelling words for ORNITHORHYNCHUS
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