platy

1 of 2

adjective

: resembling a plate
also : consisting of plates or flaky layers
used chiefly of soil or mineral formations

platy

2 of 2

noun

variants or less commonly platyfish
plural platy or platys or platies also platyfish or platyfishes
: either of two tropical American freshwater live-bearers (Xiphophorus maculatus and X. variatus) that have a highly variable often brilliant color and are popular aquarium fishes

Examples of platy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
Tubelis made a layup with 7:35 to go to pull UA ahead 20-16, though UCLA took a 21-20 lead a minute later after Campbell converted a three-point platy and hit a stepback jumper. Bruce Pascoe, The Arizona Republic, 11 Mar. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'platy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

New Latin Platypoecilus, former genus name of the fish

First Known Use

Adjective

1539, in the meaning defined above

Noun

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of platy was in 1539

Dictionary Entries Near platy

Cite this Entry

“Platy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/platy. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

platy

noun
ˈplat-ē
plural platy or platys or platies
: either of two small freshwater fish that are often kept in tropical aquariums and are noted for their varied and brilliant colors

More from Merriam-Webster on platy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!