n. pl. plat·ies or plat·ys Any of various small freshwater live-bearing fishes of the genus Xiphophorus of Mexico and Central America, popular in home aquariums for their bright colors. Also called platyfish. [Short for New Latin Platypoecilus, former genus name : PLATY- + Greek poikilos, many-colored; see POIKILOTHERM.] |
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