Advertisement
Advertisement
proboscidean
or pro·bos·cid·i·an
[ proh-buh-sid-ee-uhn, -bo-, proh-bos-i-dee-uhn ]
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.
proboscidean
/ 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
proboscidean
/ prō′bə-sĭd′ē-ən,prō-bŏs′ĭ-dē′ən /
- 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.
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of proboscidean1
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; proboscis, -ean
Discover More
Example Sentences
Falconer does not allow for the Proboscidean group being a failing one, and therefore not likely to be giving off new races.
From Project Gutenberg
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse