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proboscidean

or pro·bos·cid·i·an

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

adjective

pertaining to or resembling a proboscis.
having a proboscis.
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).

noun

a proboscidean animal.

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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

Words nearby proboscidean

problem-oriented record, problem page, pro bono, pro bono publico, proboscidate, proboscidean, proboscis, proboscis monkey, pro-British, probusiness, pro-busing
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

Example sentences from the Web for proboscidean

British Dictionary definitions for proboscidean

proboscidean

proboscidian

/ (ˌprəʊbɒˈsɪdɪən) /

adjective

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

noun

any proboscidean animal
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for proboscidean

proboscidean

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.
Of or belonging to the order Proboscidea.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.