Definition

A type of mammal that lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young, including species like the platypus and echidna, found mainly in Australia and New Guinea.

Example

The platypus is a well-known monotreme that lays eggs instead of having live young.

Conversation

Did you know that the platypus is a type of monotreme?

Really? I had no idea it laid eggs like a bird.

Yeah, it's pretty fascinating how monotremes are so unique.

I agree! They are like a mix of different animals.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Monotreme → It is formed from "mono-" (meaning single or one) and "trema" (from Greek "trēma", meaning hole or opening). The word "monotreme" refers to a group of egg-laying mammals that have a single opening for excretion and reproduction, hence the name meaning 'one hole'.

Memory Tip

Think of 'mono-' meaning single and 'trema' referring to a hole — this helps you remember that a monotreme is an animal with a single opening for multiple functions.

Visually Confused Words