protuberance

noun

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

-ˈtyü-

1

: something that is protuberant

2

: the quality or state of being protuberant

Synonyms

• projection
• protrusion
• bulge
• section
• dome
• convexity
• swell
• overhang
• portion

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

Violet-blue protuberances are surrounded by what look like thorns but are actually soft, if jagged, flower parts. —Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 14 Mar. 2025

By flying drones over a remote stretch of the Canadian Arctic, scientists were able to capture unique footage of narwhals, shedding light on the function of their famed protuberances, according to a study published Feb. 27 in Frontiers in Marine Science. —Brendan Rascius, Miami Herald, 4 Mar. 2025

Whether those protuberances make it onto the production vehicle, the latest of which was just shown at the annual CES tech show in Las Vegas, remains to be seen (and hopefully won’t be seen). —William Roberson, Forbes, 9 Jan. 2025

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

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for protuberance

• exuberance

Kids Definition

protuberance

noun

pro·​tu·​ber·​ance prō-ˈt(y)ü-b(ə-)rən(t)s 

1

: the quality or state of bulging beyond a surrounding surface

2

: bulge entry 2

Medical Definition

protuberance

noun

pro·​tu·​ber·​ance prō-ˈt(y)ü-b(ə-)rən(t)s 

1

: something that is protuberant

a bony protuberance

2

: the quality or state of being protuberant