Rüssel

Rüssel is a German noun that denotes a trunk or snout. In ordinary usage it most often refers to the long, flexible nose of an elephant, but the term can also describe elongated nose-like structures in other animals as well as certain insect mouthparts. The word may appear in informal speech when talking about a prominent nose, sometimes in a humorous or affectionate way.

In elephants, the trunk is a fusion of the proboscis and upper lip, functioning as an extremely versatile organ. It can be several tens of centimeters to over a meter long, depending on species and age. The trunk contains no bones but comprises a vast array of muscles—estimates commonly cited place the number around 40,000—allowing fine motor control and great strength. The tip of the trunk can have one or two finger-like projections depending on the species, enabling the animal to grasp small objects, pluck leaves, and handle food. Beyond grasping, the trunk is used for breathing, smelling, drinking, spraying water, feeding, and social communication.

The term Rüssel also appears in biology to describe similar nose-like structures in other animals and insects. In entomology, a long proboscis or rostrum is sometimes referred to as a Rüssel, as in certain moths, butterflies, and weevils (Rüsselkäfer), which use these structures to feed on nectar or plant fluids.

See also: elephant trunk; proboscis; Rüsselkäfer.