Definition

Noun: A type of bat characterized by its soft, chocolate-brown fur, folded ears, and relatively small wings. It is noted for its terrestrial behavior, often moving by running along the ground rather than solely by flight.

Examples of Usage

• The mastiff bat is an unusual species because it forages for insects on the forest floor.
• Researchers observed the mastiff bat using its wings to help it run quickly over the ground.
• Its common name, mastiff bat, likely comes from its robust, dog-like facial appearance.

Advanced Usage

• The term is used specifically in zoology and mammalogy to refer to bats of the genus or the family Molossidae (free-tailed bats), which share these physical and behavioral traits.
• It can appear in scientific descriptions: "The specimen was identified as a mastiff bat due to its distinct cranial morphology and terrestrial locomotion."

Variants and Related Words

• Mastiff Bat is often written with a hyphen when used as a compound modifier: , .
• Free-tailed bat: A broader common name for the family (Molossidae) to which most mastiff bats belong, referring to the tail extending freely beyond the tail membrane.
• Molossid: The technical term for a member of the bat family Molossidae.

Synonyms

• Free-tailed bat (in a general taxonomic sense)
• Molossid (scientific synonym)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The term "mastiff bat" has a single, specific zoological meaning. It is not used idiomatically or with different definitions in common language. It is a compound noun naming a particular group of animals.

Noun

1. a soft-furred chocolate-brown bat with folded ears and small wings; often runs along the ground