chiroptera

chi`rop´te`ra    (kî`rǒp´tẽr)

n. pl.

1.

(Zool.) an ancient order of mammalia dating to the early Eocene, including the bats. They are nocturnal mouselike mammals having four toes of each of the anterior limbs elongated and connected by a web, so that they form membranous wings that can be used in flying. They also have anatomical adaptations, including large ears, for echolocation, by which they navigate and in some cases find insects. The order includes the suborders Megachiroptera (the fruit bats) and Microchiroptera (insectivorous bats). See Bat. Previously spelled cheiroptera.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

Chiroptera - an old order dating to early Eocene: bats: suborder Megachiroptera (fruit bats); suborder Microchiroptera (insectivorous bats) order Chiroptera animal order - the order of animals Eutheria, subclass Eutheria - all mammals except monotremes and marsupials bat, chiropteran - nocturnal mouselike mammal with forelimbs modified to form membranous wings and anatomical adaptations for echolocation by which they navigate Megachiroptera, suborder Megachiroptera - fruit bats Microchiroptera, suborder Microchiroptera - most of the bats in the world; all bats except fruit bats insectivorous bats