Chiropteran - Definition, Meaning, and Examples in English

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

animal

A chiropteran is a mammal belonging to the order Chiroptera, which includes bats. These flying creatures are the only mammals capable of sustained flight. They are known for their unique wing structure and echolocation abilities.

Synonyms

bat, flying mammal.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
chiropteran	This term is often used in scientific or academic contexts to describe the order of flying mammals that include bats. It's not commonly used in everyday conversation. Chiropterans are an incredibly diverse group of mammals.
bat	This word is widely used in everyday language to refer to the flying mammal. It's the most common term and easily understood by most people. A bat flew through the open window. He's as blind as a bat.
flying mammal	This phrase is used to describe bats in a more descriptive way, often in educational contexts to emphasize that bats are mammals that have the ability to fly. Bats are the only flying mammals in the world. When learning about vertebrates, we'll also discuss flying mammals.

Word

Description / Examples

chiropteran

This term is often used in scientific or academic contexts to describe the order of flying mammals that include bats. It's not commonly used in everyday conversation.

Chiropterans are an incredibly diverse group of mammals.

bat

This word is widely used in everyday language to refer to the flying mammal. It's the most common term and easily understood by most people.

A bat flew through the open window.
He's as blind as a bat.

flying mammal

This phrase is used to describe bats in a more descriptive way, often in educational contexts to emphasize that bats are mammals that have the ability to fly.

Bats are the only flying mammals in the world.
When learning about vertebrates, we'll also discuss flying mammals.

Examples of usage

The chiropteran swooped down to catch insects in mid-air.
Bats are a common example of chiropterans in the animal kingdom.

Interesting Facts

Biology

Chiropterans are the only mammals capable of sustained flight, having wings made of a thin membrane stretched over their elongated fingers.
There are over 1,400 species of bats, making them the second-largest order of mammals after rodents.

Ecology

These animals play a crucial role in ecosystems as pollinators and seed dispersers, especially in tropical regions.
Chiropterans are natural pest controllers, consuming vast quantities of insects, which helps in agriculture.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, these nocturnal creatures symbolize mystery or fear, often associated with Halloween.
They appear in folklore as both protectors and harbingers of bad luck, reflecting diverse human attitudes towards them.

Conservation

Many species of chiropterans are threatened due to habitat loss, disease, and climate change, making conservation efforts crucial.
Research shows that conserving bat populations can effectively manage insect populations and lead to healthier ecosystems.

Origin of 'chiropteran'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Greek 'kheir' meaning 'hand' and 'ptêrion' meaning 'wing', highlighting their wing structure.
This term was first used in the scientific classification of bats in the early 19th century, helping to categorize these unique mammals.

The word 'chiropteran' comes from the Greek words 'cheir' meaning 'hand' and 'pteron' meaning 'wing'. This reflects the unique wing structure of bats, which have elongated fingers covered by a thin membrane. Bats have been fascinating creatures throughout history, often associated with folklore and myths. They play a vital role in ecosystems as pollinators and insect controllers.

Chiropteran Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations