proboscis

[proh-bos-is, -kis]

noun

plural

proboscises, proboscides 

1. the trunk of an elephant.

2. any long flexible snout, as of the tapir.

3. Also called beak. the elongate, protruding mouth parts of certain insects, adapted for sucking or piercing.

4. any of various elongate feeding, defensive, or sensory organs of the oral region, as in certain leeches and worms.

5. Facetious.,  the human nose, especially when unusually long or prominent.

proboscis

/ prəʊˈbɒsɪs /

noun

1. a long flexible prehensile trunk or snout, as of an elephant

2. the elongated mouthparts of certain insects, adapted for piercing or sucking food

3. any similar part or organ

4. informal,  a person's nose, esp if large

proboscis

plural

proboscises 

1. A long, flexible snout or trunk, as of an elephant.

2. The slender, tubular feeding and sucking organ of certain invertebrates, such as butterflies and mosquitoes.

Word History and Origins

Origin of proboscis¹

1570–80; < Latin < Greek proboskís elephant's trunk, literally, feeder, equivalent to pro- pro- ² + bósk ( ein ) to feed + -is (stem -id- ) noun suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of proboscis¹

C17: via Latin from Greek proboskis trunk of an elephant, from boskein to feed