Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • Family Phyllostomidae: A taxonomic family of bats commonly known as New World leaf-nosed bats, characterized by a distinctive, often elaborate, leaf-like structure on their noses.

Usage

• The term "family Phyllostomidae" is used in formal, scientific contexts such as zoology, biology, and taxonomy to classify and discuss this specific group of bats.
• It is typically preceded by the word "family" when specifying the taxonomic rank.

Examples

• Scientific Classification:
• Descriptive Biology:

Advanced Usage

• In detailed scientific writing, the family name may be used without the word "family" once established, often italicized: .
  • The phylogeny of Phyllostomidae is complex.

Variants and Related Words

• Phyllostomid (noun/adjective): A member of the family Phyllostomidae; pertaining to this family.
  • The phyllostomid bats are primarily nocturnal.

Synonyms

• New World leaf-nosed bats: The common English name for this family.
• American leaf-nosed bats: An alternative descriptive name.

Notes

• This is a specialized scientific term. In everyday language, the common names ("leaf-nosed bats") are more frequently used.
• The family is part of the order Chiroptera (bats).

Noun

1. New World leaf-nosed bats