Langimage
English

chiropteran

|chi/rop/ter/an|

C2

/kaɪˈrɒptərən/

bat

Etymology
Etymology Information

'chiropteran' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'kheir' meaning 'hand' and 'pteron' meaning 'wing'.

Historical Evolution

'kheir' and 'pteron' combined to form the New Latin term 'Chiroptera', which eventually became the modern English word 'chiropteran'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it referred to the winged hand structure of bats, and this meaning has remained consistent in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

a member of the order Chiroptera, commonly known as bats.

The chiropteran flew silently through the night sky.

Synonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39