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 /

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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

problematize, 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. 2023

How to use proboscidean in a sentence

Falconer does not allow for the Proboscidean group being a failing one, and therefore not likely to be giving off new races.
The Life and Letters of Charles Darwin, Volume II (of II)|Charles Darwin

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.