Definition of proboscis
proboscises
alsoproboscides
play \-ˈbä-sə-ˌdēz\1a : the trunk of an elephant; also : any long flexible snoutb : the human nose especially when prominent
2 : any of various elongated or extensible tubular processes (such as the sucking organ of a butterfly) of the oral region of an invertebrate
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Examples of proboscis in a Sentence
if there were a direct relation between mendacity and the length of one's proboscis, hers would be a mile long
Recent Examples of proboscis from the Web
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The prominent proboscis is also remarkably adjustable: Depending on air temperature, wind speed and blood flow, the beak can account for anywhere from 5 percent to nearly 100 percent of total body-heat loss.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'proboscis'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Illustration of proboscis
Origin and Etymology of proboscis
Latin, from Greek proboskis, from pro- + boskein to feed
First Known Use: 1601
Other Insect Terms
PROBOSCIS Defined for English Language Learners
proboscis
playDefinition of proboscis for English Language Learners
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biology : the long, thin nose of some animals (such as an elephant)
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biology : a long, thin tube that forms part of the mouth of some insects (such as a butterfly)
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: a person's nose especially when it is very long or big
PROBOSCIS Defined for Kids
proboscis
playDefinition of proboscis for Students
: a long flexible hollow body part (as the trunk of an elephant)
Medical Dictionary
Medical Definition of proboscis
proboscises
alsoproboscides
\-ˈbäs-ə-ˌdēz\play: any of various elongated or extensible tubular organs or processes especially of the oral region of an invertebrate: asa: a sucking organ of insects (as houseflies or mosquitoes) that is often also adapted for piercingb: one of the complex protrusible holdfasts on the scolex of certain tapeworms
Learn More about proboscis
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See words that rhyme with proboscis Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for proboscis Spanish Central: Translation of proboscis Nglish: Translation of proboscis for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about proboscis
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