proboscidean

American  

[proh-buh-sid-ee-uhn, -bo-, proh-bos-i-dee-uhn] / ˌproʊ bəˈsɪd i ən, -bɒ-, proʊˌbɒs ɪˈdi ən /

Or proboscidian

adjective

1. pertaining to or resembling a proboscis.

2. having a proboscis.

3. belonging or pertaining to the mammals of the order Proboscidea, characterized by a flexible trunk formed of the nostrils and upper lip, large tusks, a massive body, and columnar legs, comprising numerous families, including the elephant family (Elephantidae), the only proboscidean family with extant species, and the mastodon family (Mammutidae).

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noun

1. a proboscidean animal.

proboscidean British  

/ ˌprəʊbɒˈsɪdɪən /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or belonging to the Proboscidea, an order of massive herbivorous placental mammals having tusks and a long trunk: contains the elephants

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noun

1. any proboscidean animal

proboscidean Scientific  

/ prō′bə-sĭd′ē-ən,prō-bŏs′ĭ-dē′ən /

1. Any of various mammals of the order Proboscidea, having a long trunk, large tusks, and a massive body. The elephants and its extinct relatives, such as the mastodons, are proboscidians.

2. Of or belonging to the order Proboscidea.

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Etymology

Origin of proboscidean

First recorded in 1825–35; from New Latin Proboscid(ea) order name, from Latin proboscid- (stem of proboscis “snout of an animal, elephant's trunk”), from Greek proboskís (stem proboskíd- ) “means of providing food, elephant's trunk” + -ea, neuter plural of -eus adjective suffix + -an adjective suffix; see origin at proboscis, -ean

Example Sentences

Longirostrine gomphotheres are part of the proboscidean family -- a group of mammals including elephants and known for their elongated and versatile trunks.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2023

The trunks of Platybelodons may be the first example of a proboscidean trunk with the ability to coil and grasp.

From Science Daily • Nov. 28, 2023

Hyoid apparatus: a little known complex of bones and its “contribution” to proboscidean evolution.

From Scientific American • Nov. 20, 2012

D, E, A similar simple introvert in course of eversion by the forward movement, not of its sides, but of its apex, as in the proboscidean Rhabdocoels = acrecbolic.

From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 11, Slice 5 "Gassendi, Pierre" to "Geocentric" by Various

As the proboscidean group seems to be from utterly unknown causes a failing group in many parts of the world, I should not have anticipated the formation of new races.

From More Letters of Charles Darwin — Volume 1 by Darwin, Francis, Sir