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Definition of proboscis

proboscis

/proʊˈbɑː.sɪs/
pro · bos · cis
Plural:proboscises
•
Adjective:proboscidian
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proboscis Lexical Profile

proboscis Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

An elongated, flexible nose or snout of a mammal, such as that of an elephant, tapir, or proboscis monkey.

Example

"The elephant used its muscular proboscis to strip leaves from the high branches."

2

An elongated tubular mouthpart or feeding organ in certain invertebrates, such as butterflies, mosquitoes, and marine worms, used for sucking or piercing.

Example

"The monarch butterfly uncoiled its slender proboscis to sip nectar from the milkweed blossom."

3

A large or prominent human nose (used humorously).

Example

"The caricaturist exaggerated the actor's prominent proboscis in the newspaper sketch."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for proboscis

• Nearby Words

problematic
problematically
proboscidea
proboscis
proboscis monkey
probusiness
procapitalist

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Latin proboscis, which comes from Ancient Greek proboskís ('elephant's trunk'), formed from pro- ('before, in front') and bóskein ('to feed, graze'), literally meaning 'a means for taking food'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Proboscis. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/proboscis
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