Definition

A type of mammal that includes bats, characterized by having wings formed from their forelimbs.

Example

The chiropteran flew silently through the night sky, searching for insects to eat.

Conversation

Did you know that a chiropteran is actually just a fancy term for bats?

Really? I had no idea that's what it meant!

Yeah, it's interesting how they can fly with those wing structures.

Totally! I find bats fascinating, especially their echolocation.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chiropteran is formed from "chiro-" (from Greek "cheir", meaning hand) and "pteron" (from Greek, meaning wing). The word refers to creatures that have wings and are capable of flight, specifically bats, which are the only mammals that can fly using their hands as wings.

Memory Tip

Think of 'hands' ('chiro-') that are also 'wings' ('pteron') — this helps you remember that chiropterans are creatures like bats that fly using their hands as wings.

Visually Confused Words