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platy

(plāt′ē)

adjective

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

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

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

broad or flat: platyhelminth

Origin: < Gr platys, broad, flat < IE *plat-, var. of base *plā- > plain

See platy in American Heritage Dictionary 4

adjective plat·i·er, plat·i·est

Designating soil or minerals occurring in flaky layers.

noun pl. plat·ys or plat·ies

Any of several small freshwater live-bearing fishes of the genus Xiphophorus of southern North America popular in aquariums for their bright and variable colors. Also called platyfish.

Origin:

Origin: Short for New Latin Platypoecilus, former genus name

Origin: : platy-

Origin: + Greek poikilos, many-colored; see peig- in Indo-European roots

prefix

Flat: platyhelminth.

Origin:

Origin: Greek platu-

Origin: , from platus; see plat- in Indo-European roots

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