as in snout
the part of the face bearing the nostrils and nasal cavity
if there were a direct relation between mendacity and the length of one's proboscis, hers would be a mile long
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Recent Examples of proboscis
However, its blood-sucking attempts are thwarted because its proboscis — aka its needle-like mouth — could not break through the skin.
—
Abby Monteil, Them, 8 Oct. 2024
These stimuli triggered the brain to activate the motor neurons that in a real fly would move its proboscis, the insect equivalent of a tongue.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024
These segmented worms—which can grow from about half an inch to 8 inches in length and sometimes stretch to 17 inches—insert their proboscis into their host’s skin to suck its blood.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2024
The species stands out from others by the black tip on the proboscis, a part of the worm that is twice as long as the collar, researchers said.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for proboscis
Abby Monteil, Them, 8 Oct. 2024
These stimuli triggered the brain to activate the motor neurons that in a real fly would move its proboscis, the insect equivalent of a tongue.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 4 Oct. 2024
These segmented worms—which can grow from about half an inch to 8 inches in length and sometimes stretch to 17 inches—insert their proboscis into their host’s skin to suck its blood.
—Sarah Kuta, Smithsonian Magazine, 21 June 2024
The species stands out from others by the black tip on the proboscis, a part of the worm that is twice as long as the collar, researchers said.
—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 4 June 2024
See All Example Sentences for proboscis
Recent Examples of Synonyms for proboscis
Noun
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Dolphins tend to have a more streamlined body and a prominent, beak-like snout, while porpoises are generally smaller, stockier, and have a more rounded, blunt snout.—
Scott Travers,
Forbes.com,
25 May 2025
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Related article Wild dolphins off US Southeast coast found with microplastics in their breath, study says The Yangtze finless porpoise looks distinct, with a short snout, dark gray color and signature lack of a dorsal fin, which sets it apart from its dolphin relatives.—
Marlowe Starling,
CNN Money,
14 May 2025
Noun
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Here is what the judges had to say about it: The nose is a captivating blend of herbal and grassy tones, accompanied by pickled gherkin and spicy pepperoni.—
Hudson Lindenberger,
Forbes.com,
2 June 2025
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Measles first infects the respiratory tract, then spreads throughout the body, causing a high fever, runny nose, cough, red, watery eyes and a rash.—
Devi Shastri,
Los Angeles Times,
31 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Proboscis.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/proboscis. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.
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