Definition

Noun: 1. A small, nocturnal marsupial capable of gliding: "flying opossum" refers to a type of marsupial, not a true opossum, that has a membrane of skin along its sides. This membrane allows it to glide between trees. It is primarily active at night.

Usage Notes

• The term "flying opossum" is a common name, not a scientific one. These animals do not truly fly like birds or bats; they glide.
• They are more accurately known as gliding possums or phalangers.
• The key physical feature is the parachute-like fold of skin (patagium) that stretches from its front legs to its back legs.

Examples

• Noun:
  • We were lucky to see a flying opossum glide from one tall tree to another in the moonlight.
  • The flying opossum uses its gliding membrane to escape predators and find food.

Advanced Usage

• Ecological Role: In discussions of forest ecology, the "flying opossum" is noted as an important nocturnal arboreal (tree-dwelling) species that aids in seed dispersal.
  • The presence of flying opossums indicates a healthy, mature forest ecosystem.

Variants and Related Words

• Glider (n): A common shortened name for these animals (e.g., sugar glider, feathertail glider).
• Phalanger (n): The scientific family name for these marsupials, which includes gliders and non-gliding possums.
• Petaurus (n): The genus for some species of gliding possums.
• Patagium (n): The technical term for the gliding membrane.

Synonyms

• Gliding possum: A more precise common name.
• Glider: A general, informal term.

Related Phrases

• To take a glide: A descriptive phrase for the animal's movement.
  • The flying opossum took a graceful glide across the forest clearing.

Noun

1. nocturnal phalangers that move with gliding leaps using parachute-like folds of skin along the sides of the body