proboscis
UK: /prəˈbɒsɪs/ | US: /proʊˈbɑːsɪs/
n. a long, flexible snout or trunk, especially of an elephant or other large mammal
n. (zoology) an elongated mouthpart used for feeding, as in insects like butterflies
n. (humorous) a large or prominent human nose
The word "proboscis" originates from Greek proboskis, combining pro- (forward) and boskein (to feed). It originally referred to an elephant's trunk, a "forward-feeding" appendage. Over time, it expanded to describe similar elongated structures in insects and, humorously, prominent human noses. The morpheme boscis retains its core idea of nourishment, linking the word’s biological and metaphorical uses.
The elephant used its proboscis to lift water into its mouth.
Butterflies unfurl their proboscis to sip nectar from flowers.
His enormous proboscis earned him the nickname "Cyrano."
The mosquito’s proboscis pierces the skin to draw blood.
Scientists studied the proboscis monkey’s unique nasal structure.