Disease Vectors

noun a mammal capable of sustained flight with membranous wings

verb to strike or hit with a bat or similar object

• Bats are fascinating creatures that belong to the order Chiroptera.
• I saw a bunch of bats flying around the old abandoned house last night.
• That party was so crowded, it was like a cave full of bats in there.
• Her erratic behavior made her friends think she had bats in her belfry.

adjective causing annoyance or nuisance; harmful or destructive

• The pestiferous insects were causing damage to the crops.
• Those pestiferous bugs are really annoying.
• I can't stand those pestiferous critters!
• The pestiferous rumors spread like wildfire throughout the town.

noun a small rodent with a long tail, known for being a pest in many urban areas

• The scientist conducted a study on the behavior of the rat in a controlled environment.
• I saw a rat scurrying across the street last night.
• That guy is such a rat, always trying to cheat his way out of things.
• She felt like a rat trapped in a maze, unable to find her way out of the complicated situation.