proboscidian
Upper-Intermediate (B2)
IPA: /prəˈbɒsɪdʒən/
KK: /prəˈbɑsɪdʒən/
adjective
Definition
Relating to a group of large mammals that have long trunks, such as elephants.
Example
The proboscidian species are known for their unique trunk and large size.
Conversation
Did you know that elephants are the largest proboscidian animals on Earth?
Yeah, I read that they're part of a unique group of mammals.
It's fascinating how their proboscidian features help them in so many ways.
Absolutely! Their trunks are incredible tools for survival.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
elephantine
tusked
trunked
Antonyms
nonproboscidean
unrelated
dissimilar
noun
Definition
A type of large mammal that includes elephants and their extinct relatives, known for having a long trunk and large tusks.
Example
The proboscidian is known for its distinctive trunk and tusks, which are used for various tasks.
Conversation
Did you know that the elephant is a proboscidian?
Really? I always thought they were just big mammals.
Yeah, they belong to the order Proboscidea, which is pretty interesting.
Root Explanation
Proboscidian → It is formed from "pro-" (meaning forward) and "boskidos" (from Greek "boskidos", meaning to feed or graze). The word refers to animals with a forward-extending feeding structure, such as elephants, which have a trunk used for feeding.
Memory Tip
Think of animals that have a feeding structure extending 'forward' ('pro-') — that's why proboscidian refers to creatures like elephants with their trunks.
Visually Confused Words
eproboscidea
obsidian