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Glite Dictionary
pocketed bat

pocketed bat

9.9
A small brown bat that lives in California and northern Mexico
  • noun
  • US
translation icon : murciélago de bolsillo
  • The pocketed bat is commonly seen near streams in northern Mexico.

Examples

  • Researchers discovered a new roosting site for the pocketed bat in California.

  • Many pocketed bats inhabit the caves of California.

  • Unlike some species, the pocketed bat prefers dryer habitats.

  • The pocketed bat is known for its unique coloration.

  • Researchers discovered a new roosting site for the pocketed bat in California.

  • The pocketed bat is commonly seen near streams in northern Mexico.

  • Many pocketed bats inhabit the caves of California.

Synonyms

Tadarida femorosacca
vspocketed bat
  • Specialized
9.9

A small brown bat found in California and northern Mexico with a pocket near its thigh

is the common name used in everyday contexts
pocketed freetail bat
vspocketed bat
  • US
9.9

A small brown bat from California and northern Mexico with pockets near its tail

omits the pocket detail and gives a simple identification

Surface Forms

pocketed bat singular
pocketed bats plural

Morphology

pocketed + bat

The phrase is compositionally an adjective + noun so a learner who knows 'bat' will recognize it refers to a kind of bat, but 'pocketed' is unclear (no dictionary gloss here) and is not a prototypical B1 adjective. The specific zoological meaning ('a small brown species') is lexicalized and requires world knowledge or prior exposure, so the relation to the constituents is only partially transparent.

Etymology

Pocketed bat may come from a small fold of skin near the bat's wing that looks like a pocket. One popular story says that image of a tiny 'pocket' helps you remember this small brown species found in California and northern Mexico.