if there were a direct relation between mendacity and the length of one's proboscis, hers would be a mile long
Recent Examples on the WebThese 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 Only four species have been found with longer proboscises, which reach about half of the body length of the bee, according to the study.—Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 27 Mar. 2024 All have neurons, a mouth opening at the end of a retractable proboscis, an intestine containing a microbiota and four pairs of non-articulated legs ending in claws, and most have two eyes.—Laurent Palka, Discover Magazine, 1 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for proboscis
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proboscis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Latin, from Greek proboskis, from pro- + boskein to feed
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