Definitions for: Proboscis


[n] a long flexible snout as of an elephant
[n] (informal) the human nose (especially when it is large)



Webster (1913) Definition: Pro*bos"cis, n.; pl. Proboscides. [L. fr. Gr. ?; ?
before + ? to feed, graze.]
1. (Zo["o]l.) A hollow organ or tube attached to the head, or
connected with the mouth, of various animals, and
generally used in taking food or drink; a snout; a trunk.

Note: The proboscis of an elephant is a flexible muscular
elongation of the nose. The proboscis of insects is
usually a chitinous tube formed by the modified
maxill[ae], or by the labium. See Illusts. of
Hemiptera and Lepidoptera.

2. (Zo["o]l.) By extension, applied to various tubelike mouth
organs of the lower animals that can be everted or
protruded.

Note: The proboscis of annelids and of mollusks is usually a
portion of the pharynx that can be everted or
protruded. That of nemerteans is a special long
internal organ, not connected with the mouth, and not
used in feeding, but capable of being protruded from a
pore in the head. See Illust. in Appendix.

3. The nose. [Jocose]

Proboscis monkey. (Zo["o]l.) See Kahau.

Synonyms: trunk

See Also: neb, nose, olfactory organ, snout

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