proboscis [prəʊˈbɒsɪs]
n pl -cises, -cides [-sɪˌdiːz]
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) a long flexible prehensile trunk or snout, as of an elephant
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) the elongated mouthparts of certain insects, adapted for piercing or sucking food
3. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Zoology) any similar part or organ
4. Informal, facetious a person's nose, esp if large
[via Latin from Greek proboskis trunk of an elephant, from boskein to feed]
From the book The Elephant Keeper (page 5) by Christopher Nicholson.
I knew proboscis - maybe because mine is on the large side! Thanks for playing along.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know proboscis until now but very interesting. Hope you enjoyed The Elephant Keeper.
ReplyDeleteThanks! for stopping by.
ReplyDeleteBermudaonion & Margot
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