nose leaf

noun

1. a leaflike outgrowth of skin on the nose of various bats, thought to be sensitive to vibrations of the air.

Word History and Origins

Origin of nose leaf¹

First recorded in 1830–40

Example Sentences

A simple transverse nose-leaf; ears large, ovoid, united at base as in Plecotus.

From Project Gutenberg

The name is of course derived from the shape of the nose leaf.

From Project Gutenberg

The genus Rhinolophus has a large nose leaf, and an antitragus to the ear.

From Project Gutenberg

The nose leaf is complicated, and there are only two phalanges in all the toes; there is no antitragus to the ear.

From Project Gutenberg

Ridge on muzzle beneath edge of nose leaf low, broad and hairy, not in the least suggesting a supplementary leaflet.

From Project Gutenberg