We use cookies to enhance your experience on our website. By continuing to use our website, you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You can change your cookie settings at any time. Find out more

Subscriber login

Library card login

Other

X Close menu

Dictionary Language resources

platyfish

Syllabification: (plat·y·fish)

Pronunciation: /ˈplatēˌfiSH/

Definition of platyfish

noun (plural same or platyfishes)

a small livebearing freshwater fish of Mexico and Central America, popular in aquariums.
- Genus Xiphophorus, family Poeciliidae: several species, in particular X. maculatus, which has been bred in a wide variety of colors

Origin:

early 20th century: colloquial abbreviation of modern Latin Platypoecilus (former genus name), from Greek platus 'broad' + poikilos 'variegated'