protuberance

noun

pro·​tu·​ber·​ance prō-ˈtü-b(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce protuberance (audio)
-ˈtyü-
1
: something that is protuberant
2
: the quality or state of being protuberant
Choose the Right Synonym for protuberance

projection, protrusion, protuberance, bulge mean an extension beyond the normal line or surface.

projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle.

those projections along the wall are safety hazards

protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity.

the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef

protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form.

a skin disease marked by warty protuberances

bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure.

bulges in the tile floor

Examples of protuberance in a Sentence

the tree trunk had several mossy protuberances where branches had once grown
Recent Examples on the Web There are many different types of foam rollers, but the two main models are: the shorter style with protuberances which is used purely for working on circulation or muscle recovery, and the longer one made of smooth foam without protuberances, used for toning. Enrica Petraglia, Vogue, 13 Sep. 2024 Tiny projections stick out from the stalk, and the crooked tip has structures called a conical protuberance, a globular head and a rugged flap. Katie Cottingham, Smithsonian Magazine, 9 Sep. 2024 These extreme eruptions on the sun, if large enough, may be visible as tiny pink protuberances peaking around the edge of the moon. Dean Regas, The Enquirer, 7 Apr. 2024 When Kahan threw the typically upbeat floral protuberance, Tango obligingly chased after it just like a real dog would. Kory Grow, Rolling Stone, 27 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for protuberance 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protuberance.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of protuberance was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near protuberance

Cite this Entry

“Protuberance.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protuberance. Accessed 31 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

protuberance

noun
pro·​tu·​ber·​ance prō-ˈt(y)ü-b(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce protuberance (audio)
1
: the quality or state of bulging beyond a surrounding surface
2

Medical Definition

protuberance

noun
pro·​tu·​ber·​ance prō-ˈt(y)ü-b(ə-)rən(t)s How to pronounce protuberance (audio)
1
: something that is protuberant
a bony protuberance
2
: the quality or state of being protuberant

More from Merriam-Webster on protuberance

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