fruit bat

American  

noun

1. any fruit-eating bat, especially of the suborder Megachiroptera, of tropical regions throughout the Old World, typically having erect, catlike ears and large eyes adapted for night vision, and either tailless or with a rudimentary tail, the numerous species ranging in wingspan from 10 inches to 5 feet (25 centimeters to 1.5 meters).

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fruit bat British  

noun

1. any large Old World bat of the suborder Megachiroptera , occurring in tropical and subtropical regions and feeding on fruit Compare insectivorous bat

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Etymology

Origin of fruit bat

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The virus, which is thought to have originated in fruit bats, was first detected in 1976 near the Ebola River in what is now DR Congo.

From BBC

In total darkness, Mr Raul stood amid fruit bats emerging from a historical ruin, using focus and flash to capture the moment.

From BBC

The Marburg virus is transmitted to humans from fruit bats and then through contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals.

From BBC

The virus originates in Egyptian fruit bats who live in caves, although some think it can transfer to other animals and then spread to humans.

From Salon

Marburg, which is not airborne, can be transmitted by exposure to fruit bats and between people via body fluids through unprotected sex and broken skin.

From BBC