proboscis

[ proh-bos-is, -kis ]

noun

, plural pro·bos·cis·es, pro·bos·ci·des [proh-, bos, -i-deez].

1. the trunk of an elephant.
2. any long flexible snout, as of the tapir.
3. Also called beak. the elongate, protruding mouth parts of certain insects, adapted for sucking or piercing.
4. any of various elongate feeding, defensive, or sensory organs of the oral region, as in certain leeches and worms.
5. Facetious. the human nose, especially when unusually long or prominent.

proboscis

/ prəʊˈbɒsɪs /

noun

1. a long flexible prehensile trunk or snout, as of an elephant
2. the elongated mouthparts of certain insects, adapted for piercing or sucking food
3. any similar part or organ
4. informal.
   a person's nose, esp if large

proboscis

/ prō-bŏs′ĭs /

, Plural proboscises prō-bŏs′ĭ-dēz′

1. A long, flexible snout or trunk, as of an elephant.
2. The slender, tubular feeding and sucking organ of certain invertebrates, such as butterflies and mosquitoes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of proboscis¹

1570–80; < Latin < Greek proboskís elephant's trunk, literally, feeder, equivalent to pro- pro- ² + bósk ( ein ) to feed + -is (stem -id- ) noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of proboscis¹

C17: via Latin from Greek proboskis trunk of an elephant, from boskein to feed

Example Sentences

Environmentalists have warned that as the capital expands, it may spill over into the habitats of endangered species such as proboscis monkeys, orangutans and gibbons.

From Los Angeles Times

When a mosquito bites you, it pierces the skin using a mouthpart called a proboscis to suck up blood.

From Seattle Times

On closer inspection, another feature of the hummingbird hawk moth quickly catches the eye: the spiralling curled proboscis, which is as long as the entire animal.

From Science Daily

They were indeed able to reproduce the conditions of proboscis drinking.

From National Geographic

Rob, whose ego is as bruised as his proboscis, childishly lashes out.

From Los Angeles Times