1. plural of proboscis; long flexible snouts or trunk-like appendages of certain animals
Usage: zoology
2. plural of proboscis; elongated mouthparts of insects used for feeding
Usage: entomology

Examples

• The elephants used their proboscises to grab branches from tall trees.
• Butterflies extend their proboscises to reach nectar deep inside flowers.
• The tapirs’ proboscises help them grasp leaves and fruit.
• Mosquitoes pierce skin with their needle-like proboscises.
• The zoo keeper watched as the elephants touched each other with their proboscises.
• Moths coil their proboscises when not feeding.