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Glite Dictionary
Glaucomys volans

Glaucomys volans

9.9
A small nocturnal flying squirrel with large eyes that glides between trees
  • noun
  • /ɡlaʊˈkoʊmɪs ˈvoʊlənz/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Glaucomys volans
  • The Glaucomys volans can glide across distances of more than 20 meters between trees.

Examples

  • Unlike other squirrels, Glaucomys volans is nocturnal and rarely seen during the daytime.

  • Researchers studied the habitat preferences of Glaucomys volans in the Appalachian forests.

  • Look at that Glaucomys volans!

  • The Glaucomys volans glides beautifully.

  • The Glaucomys volans, also known as the sugar glider, is a fascinating creature that feeds on fruits and nectar.

  • During the night, the Glaucomys volans uses its large eyes to navigate the forest as it glides from branch to branch.

  • Wildlife enthusiasts often try to spot a Glaucomys volans due to its unique ability to glide gracefully through the trees.

Synonyms

flying squirrel
vsGlaucomys volans
1 3.9

A small night animal that glides between trees using skin flaps

is narrower and names a particular eastern species rather than the whole group
southern flying squirrel
vsGlaucomys volans
  • US
7.3

A small night animal that glides between trees using a skin flap

is the scientific name used in formal or technical contexts
American flying squirrel
vsGlaucomys volans
  • US
4.5

A small squirrel active at night that glides between trees using a skin flap

is the single eastern species rather than the two-species North American group

Surface Forms

Glaucomys volans singular
Glaucomys volans plural

Morphology

Glaucomys + volans

This is a Latin binomial (a taxonomic proper name), not a normal English phrase built from common English morphemes; its specific sense ('a species of flying squirrel') is not derivable by a B1 learner from ordinary English composition. One constituent ('volans') is not a common English word and the name requires specialist/taxonomic or Latin knowledge, so the meaning would be unpredictable to most learners.

Etymology

The scientific name Glaucomys volans may come from old words that paint a picture: Glaucomys suggests a pale, large-eyed squirrel and volans means 'flying'. This image of a small grey squirrel gliding between trees at night explains why the name points to a 'flying' squirrel.