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vampire bat

noun

  1. any of several New World tropical bats of the genera Desmodus, Diphylla, and Diaemus, the size of a small mouse, feeding on small amounts of blood obtained from resting mammals and birds by means of a shallow cut made with specialized incisor teeth.
  2. any of several large South American bats of the genera Phyllostomus and Vampyrus, erroneously believed to feed on blood.


vampire bat

noun

  1. any bat, esp Desmodus rotundus, of the family Desmodontidae of tropical regions of Central and South America, having sharp incisor and canine teeth and feeding on the blood of birds and mammals Compare false vampire
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


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Word History and Origins

Origin of vampire bat1

First recorded in 1780–90
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Example Sentences

This may seem like a uniquely human experience, but there’s evidence that a similar behavior is fairly common among vampire bats.

Male vampire bats tend to fight more over territory, and do less grooming and food sharing.

Carter said there is reason to fear vampire bats because they can transmit rabies to livestock and people.

Scientists have provided a deeper understanding of social relationships among vampire bats, showing how those that have forged bonds akin to “friendships” with others will rendezvous with these buddies while foraging for a meal.

When one thinks of vampire bats, friendship and cooperation may not be among the qualities that come to mind for these blood-feasting creatures of the night.

His skin hung loose on his great body, as though a vampire bat had drained it of its blood.

A flitting vampire bat is real, or a stinging ray in the depths of a blue lagoon.

In one case a vampire bat had punctured a mans arm near the elbow while he slept, and that little wound had grown disastrously.

But there is a big bat, called the Vampire bat, that will do a good deal of mischief, if he can get a chance.

The Vampire bat is often the cause of much trouble, by biting the horses on their withers.

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