protuberance

noun

pro·tu·ber·ance | \ prō-ˈtü-b(ə-)rən(t)s

, -ˈtyü-\

Definition of protuberance

1 : something that is protuberant

2 : the quality or state of being protuberant

Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Example Sentences Learn More about protuberance

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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

The bone spurs jut off of what’s called the external occipital protuberance (EOP) of the skull. — Beth Mole, Ars Technica, "Debunked: The absurd story about smartphones causing kids to sprout horns," 21 June 2019 The effect, called enlarged external occipital protuberance, used to be so uncommon, Sayers said, that one of its early observers, toward the end of the 19th century, objected to its title. — nola.com, "Horns are growing on young people’s skulls; researchers blame phone use," 22 June 2019 This anatomical feature is called an external occipital protuberance, or EOP. — Allen Kim, CNN, "A report says young people are growing horns on their skulls. Critics don't buy it," 21 June 2019 The 2018 paper discussed an alarming prevalence of an enlarged external occipital protuberance (EOP), a bony projection off the back of the skull just above the neck, in young people. — Emily Toomey, Smithsonian, "Cell Phones Are Probably Not Making Us Grow Horns," 20 June 2019 Most of the first 10 lines show microscopic parallel marks on the sides of the groove, probably caused by slight protuberances on the sides of the tool. — Kiona N. Smith, Ars Technica, "Neanderthals etched a message on this 36,000-year-old stone tool," 3 May 2018 Throughout, every protuberance is thin and delicately rough-edged, like deckled paper. — Roberta Smith, Will Heinrich, Martha Schwendener And Jason Farago, New York Times, "What to See in New York Art Galleries This Week," 20 Dec. 2017 The other bore tooth-like protuberances, called ossicles, above speckled reddish black skin. — Lorraine Boissoneault, Smithsonian, "Is the Mysterious Sea Cucumber Slipping Out of Our Grasp?," 4 Nov. 2017 In literally the blink of an eye, all those little bumps, spikes, and protuberances disappear. — Ed Yong, The Atlantic, "Octopus-Inspired Material Can Change Its Texture," 12 Oct. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'protuberance.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.