Definition

Noun A type of bat characterized by having exceptionally long ears. This term refers to various bat species, belonging to different genera, found in either the Old World or the New World, that share this distinctive physical trait.

Usage

The term "long-eared bat" is used as a common name to describe and identify bats within this morphological group. It is typically used in zoology, wildlife observation, and general descriptive contexts. * The researcher carefully recorded the presence of a long-eared bat in the forest survey. * Long-eared bats use their large ears for highly sensitive echolocation to hunt insects in dense foliage.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often modified by a geographic descriptor to specify a particular species, e.g., "the brown long-eared bat" () or "the Townsend's big-eared bat" (), which is also commonly called a long-eared bat.

Variants and Related Words

• Big-eared bat: A very similar common name often used interchangeably for some species.
• Plecotus: The genus name for many common Old World long-eared bats.

Different Meanings / Contexts

This term has a single, specific zoological meaning. It does not have different metaphorical or slang meanings.

Synonyms

There are no perfect synonyms, as it is a specific common name. Related descriptive terms include: * Bat (general term) * Microbat (suborder to which they belong)

Idioms

There are no idioms using the term "long-eared bat."

Phrasal Verbs

There are no phrasal verbs using the term "long-eared bat."

Noun

1. any of various Old or New World bats having very long ears