platy Hear it!

platy¹ Definition

platy (plāt′ē)

adjective

Geol. composed of plates, sheets, or slabs, as certain sandstones or limestones
platy² Definition

platy (plat′ē)

noun pl. platy plat′y, platys plat′ys, platies plat′·ies

any of a number of brightly colored, freshwater livebearer fishes (genus Xiphophorus) of Central America: used in tropical aquariums

Etymology: clipped < ModL Platypoecilus, a genus of fishes < platy- + Gr poikilos, many-colored

platy Usage Examples

Modifies a noun

  • crystal: A group of platy golden brown barite crystals 22 mm long on drusy calcite.

Noun used with modifier

  • baby: As soon as a baby platy hits the water it's heading downwards.