The Collaborative International Dictionary
chiroptera \chi*rop"te*ra\ (k[-i]*r[o^]p"t[~e]r), n. pl. [NL., fr. Gr. chei`r hand + ptero`n wing.] (Zo["o]l.) 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. [archaic]
Wikipedia
Chiroptera may refer to:
- Chiroptera, the order of flying mammals commonly called "bats"
- Chiroptera, fictional creatures in the anime series Blood+ and anime film Blood: The Last Vampire
Usage examples of "chiroptera".
DISTRANS: a device for producing a temporary neural imprint on the nervous system of Chiroptera or birds.
They raise these animals on Chiroptera and drain their blood periodically as a food source.