(n)nocturnal phalangers that move with gliding leaps using parachute-like folds of skin along the sides of the body, Syn.flying opossum, flying squirrel
n. [ Cf. F. phalanger. See Phalanx. ] (Zool.) Any marsupial belonging to Phalangista, Cuscus, Petaurus, and other genera of the family Phalangistidæ. They are arboreal, and the species of Petaurus are furnished with lateral parachutes. See Flying phalanger, under Flying. [ 1913 Webster ]