/ prəˈbɒsɪs; NAmE -ˈbɑːs- NAmE also -ˈbɑ:skɪs/ noun ( pl. pro·bos·ces / -siːz; NAmE / pro·bos·cises ) ( technical )
1.
the long flexible nose of some animals, such as an elephant
2.
the long thin mouth, like a tube, of some insects
3.
( humorous ) a large human nose
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WORD ORIGIN
early 17th cent.: via Latin from Greek proboskis means of obtaining food, from pro before + boskein (cause to) feed.