Cheiroptera

/kaɪˈrɑptərə/ noun

Definition

The scientific order of mammals that includes bats, whose name literally means 'hand-wings' in Greek.

Etymology

From Greek χείρ (cheír) 'hand' and πτερόν (pterón) 'wing,' because bat wings are modified hands with membranes stretched between finger bones.

Kelly Says

Bats are the only mammals that truly fly, and their remarkable adaptation—stretching skin between elongated fingers—made ancient Greek-speaking scientists name them 'hand-wings,' which perfectly captures their anatomy.

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