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proboscidian

 - 3 dictionary results

pro⋅bos⋅cid⋅e⋅an

  [proh-buh-sid-ee-uhn, -bo-, proh-bos-i-dee-uhn]
Use proboscidian in a Sentence
–adjective
1. pertaining to or resembling a proboscis.
2. having a proboscis.
3. belonging or pertaining to the mammals of the order Proboscidea, characterized by a flexible trunk formed of the nostrils and upper lip, large tusks, a massive body, and columnar legs, comprising the elephant and the now-extinct mammoth and mastodon.
–noun
4. a proboscidean animal.
Also, pro⋅bos⋅cid⋅i⋅an.

Origin:
1825–35; < NL Proboscide(a) order name (L proboscid- (s. of proboscis proboscis ) + -ea, neut. pl. of -eus adj. suffix; see -eous ) + -an
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To proboscidian
pro·bos·cid·i·an   (prō'bə-sĭd'ē-ən)   
n.  A mammal of the order Proboscidea, such as the elephant or its extinct relatives, having a long trunk, large tusks, and a massive body.
adj.  Of or belonging to the order Proboscidea.

[From New Latin Proboscidea, order name, from Latin proboscis, proboscid-, proboscis; see proboscis.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Science Dictionary
proboscidean also proboscidian   (prō'bə-sĭd'ē-ən, prō-bŏs'ĭ-dē'ən)  Pronunciation Key 

  1. Any of various mammals of the order Proboscidea, having a long trunk, large tusks, and a massive body. The elephants and its extinct relatives, such as the mastodons, are proboscidians.

  2. Of or belonging to the order Proboscidea.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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