proboscis
[ proh-bos-is, -kis ]
/ proʊˈbɒs ɪs, -kɪs /
noun, plural pro·bos·cis·es, pro·bos·ci·des [proh-bos-i-deez] /proʊˈbɒs ɪˌdiz/.
the trunk of an elephant.
any long flexible snout, as of the tapir.
Also called beak.
the elongate, protruding mouth parts of certain insects, adapted for sucking or piercing.
any of various elongate feeding, defensive, or sensory organs of the oral region, as in certain leeches and worms.
Facetious.
the human nose, especially when unusually long or prominent.
Origin of proboscis
1570–80; < Latin < Greek
proboskís elephant's trunk, literally, feeder, equivalent to
pro-
pro-2 +
bósk(ein) to feed +
-is (stem
-id-) noun suffix
Words nearby proboscis
Example sentences from the Web for proboscis
British Dictionary definitions for proboscis
proboscis
/ (prəʊˈbɒsɪs) /
noun plural -cises or -cides (-sɪˌdiːz)
a long flexible prehensile trunk or snout, as of an elephant
the elongated mouthparts of certain insects, adapted for piercing or sucking food
any similar part or organ
informal, facetious
a person's nose, esp if large
Word Origin for proboscis
C17: via Latin from Greek
proboskis trunk of an elephant, from
boskein to feed
Scientific definitions for proboscis
proboscis
[ prō-bŏs′ĭs ]
Plural proboscises proboscides (prō-bŏs′ĭ-dēz′)
A long, flexible snout or trunk, as of an elephant.
The slender, tubular feeding and sucking organ of certain invertebrates, such as butterflies and mosquitoes.