Flittermouse Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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flittermouse
[ˈflɪtəmɑʊs ]
Definition
flying mammal
A flittermouse is another term for a bat, a nocturnal flying mammal that uses echolocation to navigate and catch insects in the air. Bats are important pollinators and play a crucial role in many ecosystems.
Synonyms
bat, flying mammal, nocturnal creature.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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flittermouse |
This uncommon, archaic term is rarely used in modern English. It can be utilized in historical or literary contexts to add an old-fashioned or poetic flair.
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bat |
This is the common, everyday term for the nocturnal flying mammal. It is suitable for general use in conversation, writing, and scientific contexts.
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flying mammal |
This term is often used in scientific or educational contexts to describe bats more broadly, emphasizing their classification within the animal kingdom.
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nocturnal creature |
This term is utilitarian for describing any animal that is active at night, including bats. It is useful in both scientific and conversational contexts when you want to emphasize nocturnal behavior.
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Examples of usage
- The flittermouse darted through the night sky in search of insects.
- Many people are afraid of flittermice because of their association with darkness and mystery.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Ecosystem Role
- These creatures are vital for controlling insect populations, eating thousands of insects nightly.
- Many species of flittermouse help with pollination, contributing to the growth of various plants.
Cultural Significance
- In folklore, they are often associated with mystery or magic, appearing in stories as symbols of transformation.
- Some cultures view them as omens or bringers of good luck, especially during harvest times.
Science
- They use echolocation to navigate in the dark, emitting sounds that bounce off objects to help them 'see' their surroundings.
- Bats are part of the Chiroptera order, meaning 'hand wing,' which refers to their wing structure resembling a hand with extended fingers.
Conservation
- Many species are threatened by habitat loss and diseases like white-nose syndrome, which negatively affects their populations.
- Conservation efforts focus on protecting habitats and raising awareness about their importance to ecosystems.
Origin of 'flittermouse'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from old English roots, where 'flitter' means to flutter and 'mouse' refers to the small mammal.
- Historically, 'flittermouse' was used mainly in English folklore as a whimsical way to describe bats.
The word 'flittermouse' has Middle English origins, derived from 'flitter' meaning to flutter or fly about, and 'mouse' due to the bat's rodent-like appearance. It was first recorded in English in the 14th century.