noctule

[ nok-chool ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a large reddish insectivorous bat, Nyctalus noctula, common to Europe and Asia.

noctule

/ ˈnɒktjuːl /

any of several large Old World insectivorous bats of the genus Nyctalus, esp N. noctula: family Vespertilionidae

Origin of noctule¹

1765–75; < French < Italian nottola a bat, owl ≪ Latin noctua night owl. See noctuid, -ule

Origin of noctule¹

C18: probably from Late Latin noctula small owl, from Latin noctua night owl

The Serotine and the Noctule are our two largest Bats, and in the early records they were very much confused.

I could climb your chestnut if I cared to, noctule, and eat the colony.

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