American flying squirrel
- noun
- /əˈmɛrɪkən ˈflaɪɪŋ ˈskwɪrəl/
- US
:
ardilla voladora americana
- At night, the American flying squirrel glides from tree to tree in search of food.
Examples
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The American flying squirrel uses its skin membrane to travel long distances between trees.
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Researchers observed a family of American flying squirrels nesting in the old oak forest.
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The American flying squirrel is a fascinating creature.
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Did you see the American flying squirrel at the park?
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At night, the American flying squirrel glides gracefully between branches in search of food.
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Researchers tracked a family of American flying squirrels as they nested in a hollow tree.
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The unique adaptation of the American flying squirrel allows it to glide effortlessly through the forest.
Surface Forms
Morphology
The noun phrase is compositionally clear: 'American' localizes the animal, and 'flying' + 'squirrel' straightforwardly denotes a type of squirrel that moves through the air. Although biologically they glide rather than truly fly, a B1 learner who knows 'American', 'fly', and 'squirrel' can readily infer the general meaning.
Etymology
American flying squirrel comes from the sight of a small squirrel stretching a flap of skin between its legs and 'gliding' through the trees at night, so it looks like it is flying. That's why the name means a small North American squirrel that appears to fly between trees.
