platypusary
English
WOTD – 29 July 2016
A platypus (Ornithorhynchus anatinus)
Alternative forms
- platypussary
Etymology
Blend of platypus + nursery, coined by Australian naturalist Henry Burrell (1873–1945), the first person who succeeded in constructing a functioning platypusary.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈplætɪpʊsəɹi/
Audio (RP) (file)
- Hyphenation: pla‧ty‧pus‧ary
Noun
platypusary (plural platypusaries)
- (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.
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Translations
place where platypuses are nurtured
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