bat fly

noun

: any of numerous small flies constituting the families Streblidae and Nycteribiidae, being ectoparasitic on bats, and having larvae completely developed in the body of the mother

Word History

Etymology

bat entry 3

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!