Proboscis

usgb/prəʊˈbɑːsɪs,prəʊˈbɑːskɪs/
noun

Long, flexible nose or snout on some animals.

The elephant uses its proboscis, or trunk, to get food.
Visual representation of "proboscis" - Long, flexible nose or snout on some animals

Often appears as...

  • elephant proboscis
  • insect proboscis
Definition 1 of 4
Visual representation of "proboscis"
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Animal-specific Term

Proboscis mostly describes noses of certain mammals, notably elephants.

Illustration for Animal-specific Term
The baby elephant playfully twirled its proboscis.
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Not Always Literal

Sometimes 'proboscis' may describe things resembling a long nose metaphorically.

Illustration for Not Always Literal
The hose looked like a giant proboscis reaching across the garden.
Visual representation of the word "Proboscis"

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