colugo: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
RareTechnical / Scientific
Quick answer
What does “colugo” mean?
A nocturnal, gliding mammal of Southeast Asia, with a furry membrane stretching between its limbs for gliding.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A nocturnal, gliding mammal of Southeast Asia, with a furry membrane stretching between its limbs for gliding.
Refers specifically to any of the two species within the family Cynocephalidae, also known as 'flying lemurs', though they are not true lemurs and do not fly but glide.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. The term is equally technical and rare in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral, scientific, obscure.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both dialects, limited to specialist literature and nature documentaries.
Grammar
How to Use “colugo” in a Sentence
The [ADJ] colugo [VERBed] from tree to tree.A colugo [VERB] with its patagium.Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “colugo” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The colugo specimen was carefully measured.
- Colugo behaviour is poorly understood.
American English
- The colugo specimen was carefully measured.
- Colugo behavior is poorly understood.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never used.
Academic
Used in zoology, biology, and ecology papers discussing Southeast Asian fauna, adaptation, or gliding locomotion.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Might appear in advanced crosswords or nature trivia.
Technical
The primary register. Used in taxonomic descriptions, field guides, and scientific reports on wildlife.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “colugo”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “colugo”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “colugo”
- Pronouncing it /ˈkɒlʊɡəʊ/ (incorrect stress).
- Using it as a common noun for any gliding animal.
- Confusing it with a flying squirrel or sugar glider.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Despite the common name 'flying lemur', it is not related to true lemurs. It belongs to its own distinct order, Dermoptera.
No. They are gliders, not fliers. They leap from trees and use a large membrane (patagium) to glide considerable distances.
They are found in the tropical forests of Southeast Asia, specifically in parts of Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand, and Singapore.
They are herbivorous, primarily feeding on leaves, buds, flowers, and occasionally fruits and sap.
A nocturnal, gliding mammal of Southeast Asia, with a furry membrane stretching between its limbs for gliding.
Colugo is usually technical / scientific in register.
Colugo: in British English it is pronounced /kəˈluːɡəʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /kəˈluːɡoʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a 'koala' and a 'luge' sled combined: a 'colo' (like koala) that 'goes' (like luge) gliding through the trees.
Conceptual Metaphor
A living kite / A furry parachute.
Practice
Quiz
What is a defining feature of a colugo?