proboscis etymology

Etymology

The word "proboscis" is derived from the Greek word "proboskis," which means "trunk" or "snout."

Meaning

A proboscis is a long, flexible organ found in some animals, such as insects, butterflies, and elephants. It is used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Ingesting food
• Gathering food
• Defending against predators
• Communicating with other members of the same species

Origin

The earliest known use of the word "proboscis" in English can be traced back to the 17th century. It was originally used to describe the long, flexible nose of an elephant. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to refer to any long, flexible organ that serves a similar purpose.

Examples

• The elephant uses its proboscis to pick up food, drink water, and bathe.
• The butterfly uses its proboscis to sip nectar from flowers.
• The mosquito uses its proboscis to suck blood from its victims.

proboscis relate terms

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• proceed

  Etymology Latin prōcēdere to come forth advance Meaning To continue or pro

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• provide

  Etymology The word etymology comes from the Greek words etymon meaning true sense

• procure

  Etymology The word procure comes from the Latin word procurare which means to take

• proconsul

  Etymology From Latin proconsul meaning acting on behalf of a consul Meaning

• pronoun

  Etymology The word pronoun is derived from the Latin word prōnōmen which means i

• problem

  Etymology Greek πρόβλημα problema obstacle question Latin problema di

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  Etymology The word trunk has multiple etymological origins From Old English trunc

• chelicerae

  Etymology The term chelicerae is derived from two Greek words Cheilos Meaning lip

• mosquito

  Etymology The word mosquito comes from the Spanish word mosquito which in turn comes

• mammoth

  Etymology The word mammoth is derived from the Russian word мамонт mamont w

• nose

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• elephant

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• snout

  Etymology The word snout is derived from the Middle English word snoute which in tu

• freedom

  Etymology Middle English fredom from Old English frēodōm n state of being free

• security

  Etymology The word security is derived from the Latin word securus meaning free fro

• debacle

  Etymology The word debacle is derived from the French word débâcle which literall