Definition

Noun: 1. Family Megadermatidae: A taxonomic family of bats, commonly known as the Old World false vampire bats. These are large insectivorous or carnivorous bats found in Africa, Asia, and Australasia, characterized by their large eyes, simple nose-leaves, and the absence of a tail membrane.

Usage Notes

• This is a specialized scientific term used primarily in zoology, biology, and taxonomy. It is not used in everyday conversation.
• It functions as a singular, collective noun referring to the entire family group. When discussing multiple families, the plural form is "families Megadermatidae" or, more commonly, "megadermatid bats."

Examples

• Scientific Context:
  • The ghost bat of Australia is a member of the family Megadermatidae.
  • Research into the echolocation calls of the family Megadermatidae has yielded fascinating results.
  • This fossil shares key cranial features with the modern family Megadermatidae.

Advanced Usage

• Taxonomic Hierarchy: The term is used to specify a rank in biological classification (Family), situated between Order (Chiroptera) and Genus (e.g., , ).
  • The classification places the Greater False Vampire Bat within the order Chiroptera, suborder Yinpterochiroptera, and family Megadermatidae.

Variants and Related Words

• Megadermatid (adjective/noun): Pertaining to the family Megadermatidae; a bat of this family.
  • The megadermatid skull is robust.
  • Several megadermatids are known to prey on small vertebrates.
• Old World false vampire bat (noun): The common name for bats of this family.
• Megaderma (noun): The type genus of this family.

Synonyms

• Megadermatid bats (noun)
• Old World false vampires (noun)

Different Meanings

This term has only one specific meaning in modern English: the zoological family of bats as defined above. It does not have general or figurative meanings.

Noun

1. Old World false vampire bats