vampire bat
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. A blood-feeding bat: A small bat, native to tropical regions of the Americas, that feeds on the blood of other animals, primarily mammals and birds. It belongs to the family Desmodontidae. 2. A specific animal type: Refers to any of the three species (common vampire bat, hairy-legged vampire bat, white-winged vampire bat) characterized by sharp incisors for making small cuts and anticoagulant saliva to lap up blood.
Examples
- The vampire bat is often misunderstood and feared due to its unique diet.
- Scientists study the anticoagulant in vampire bat saliva for potential medical applications.
- Unlike most bats, the vampire bat can walk and run on the ground.
Advanced Usage
- Figurative use: The term can be used metaphorically to describe a person who preys on or drains the resources of others.
- He was a financial vampire bat, sucking the life out of the company with his bad deals.
Variants and Related Words
- Desmodontidae (n): The scientific family name for vampire bats.
- Hematophagy (n): The practice of feeding on blood, which is the dietary practice of the vampire bat.
Synonyms
- Blood-feeding bat
- Hematophagous bat
Related Phrases
- Vampire bat colony: A group of vampire bats living together.
- The researchers located a large vampire bat colony in the abandoned mine.
Noun
- any of various tropical American bats of the family Desmodontidae that bite mammals and birds to feed on their blood