Proboscis: meaning, definitions and examples

Primarily used in a scientific or formal context, especially when referring to the elongated nose or mouthpart of certain animals, such as insects or mammals.

• The butterfly's proboscis is specially adapted for sipping nectar from flowers.
• Elephants have a versatile proboscis that they use for various tasks.

Specifically used to describe the elongated, flexible nose of an elephant, which can be used for breathing, smelling, touching, grasping, and producing sound.

• The elephant used its trunk to pluck leaves from the tree.
• Baby elephants learn to use their trunks by imitating their mothers.

Often used to refer to the protruding nose and mouth area of an animal, particularly mammals like pigs, dogs, or bears. It can sometimes carry a slightly humorous or informal tone.

• The pig rooted around in the dirt with its snout.
• The dog's snout was wet after drinking water.

Common and general term used in everyday language to refer to the part of the face used for smelling and breathing in humans and many animals.

• She has a small freckle on her nose.
• He broke his nose playing basketball.

Used to describe the long, flexible nose of an animal, especially an elephant, or the long feeding and sucking organ of certain insects.

• The elephant used its proboscis to grab the leaves from the tree.
• The butterfly extended its proboscis to drink nectar from the flower.

Used to describe the tubular part of a flower where nectar is found, often designed to accommodate pollinators such as insects or birds.

• The hummingbird's long beak is perfect for reaching the nectar inside the flower tube.
• Scientists studied how different insects interacted with the flower tube of various flowers.

Refers to a type of flower that is shaped like a trumpet, commonly found in plants like the trumpet vine or angel's trumpet.

• The garden was full of bright, orange trumpet flowers that attracted many bees.
• Angel's trumpet flowers hang down gracefully, adding a touch of elegance to the evening garden.