‖ Proboscidea, n. pl. Zool.
(prɒbəˈsɪdiːə)
[mod.L. neut. pl., f. proboscid-em proboscis: cf. lact-eus, lign-eus.]
An order of mammalia containing the elephant and its extinct allies; characterized by having a long flexible proboscis and the incisors developed into long tusks.
| 1836 Encycl. Brit. (ed. 7) XIV. 146/2 Mammalia..Order VI. Pachydermata..Family 1st. Proboscidea. 1875 C. C. Blake Zool. 43 The order Proboscidea commenced at the beginning of the Miocene period. |