‖ ˈCheiroptera, n. pl. Zool.
(kaɪˈrɒptərə)
Rarely chir-.
[mod.L. (Cuvier), f. Gr. χειρο- hand- + -πτερος winged. (Cheiropter [= F. chiroptère] has been used as a singular.)]
An order of Mammalia, distinguished by greatly elongated fingerbones supporting a membrane or ‘wing’ attached to the posterior limbs and the side of the body, and adapted for flight; the Bats.
| 1835 Kirby Hab. & Inst. Anim. II. xvii. 156 Bats and vampyres..are denominated Cheiroptera, or hand-winged. 1878 L. Wingfield Lady Grizel III. iii. 4 A hectoring bat, a blustering cheiropter. 1878 Bell Gegenbauer's Comp. Anat. 437 They agree with most of the chiroptera. |
Hence cheiˈropteran a., belonging to the Cheiroptera; as n. a member of the Cheiroptera. cheiˈropterous a., of or belonging to the Cheiroptera; having winged ‘hands’.
| 1835 Kirby Hab. & Inst. Anim. II. xxiv. 487 One tribe..the Cheiropterans..seems rather to form an Osculant Order between it [the Predaceans] and the Quadrumanes. 1866 Athenæum No. 2004. 402/1 The little-known chiropteran genus Aello. |