proboscis
4
9.6
- noun
- /prəˈbɑsɪs/
:
probóscide
- The green in this false-colored image reveals period transcription in the fly's proboscis and antennae.
- proboscis monkey
- unrolled proboscis
- long proboscis
Examples
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With its long proboscis, the mosquito delicately extracts blood from its unsuspecting host.
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Worms were placed in water for a few hours for proboscis relaxation and extension.
Academic text (2015) -
There are additional sensors on the proboscis that determine whether to feed or not.
Academic text (1994) -
Many of these were based on hook number and pattern found on the proboscis.
Academic text (2015) -
Then, sure enough, they found this moth with a 12-inch proboscis.
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PHOTO: Below right: Sensors on the moth's unrolled proboscis will tell it whether this solution is suitable for feeding.
Academic text (1994) -
An unrolled proboscis is no guarantee the moth will feed, Lopez adds.
Academic text (1994) -
This is a plant here that insects say in South Africa just just love and they've evolved with a long proboscis to get the nectar at the bottom.
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Then he begins rhythmically swinging his body and free hind legs while vibrating his proboscis.
Academic text (1992) -
The butterfly uncoils its proboscis to reach the sweet nectar inside the flower.
Synonyms
25
3.2
The long part that sticks out from an animal's head and includes the nose and jaws
15
1.9
A long flexible nose that an elephant uses to smell, drink, and hold things
Compounds
- Specialized
A plant with large spotted flowers and a long curved beak-shaped flower part
- Specialized
A soft sea animal like a thin worm that stretches a long head to catch food
How Long
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word proboscis comes from the Greek parts pro- 'forward' and boskein 'to feed', so it originally meant a 'forward-feeding' mouth or snout like an elephant's trunk or an insect's tube used to reach food.