proboscidean

or pro·bos·cid·i·an

[ proh-buh-sid-ee-uhn, -bo-, proh-bos-i-dee-uhn ]

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).

noun

1. a proboscidean animal.

proboscidean

/ 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

noun

1. any proboscidean animal

proboscidean

/ 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.

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

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