protuberance
noun
-ˈtyü-\
Definition of protuberance
1 : something that is protuberant
2 : the quality or state of being protuberant
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Synonyms & Antonyms for protuberance
Synonyms
bulge, bunch, convexity, jut, overhang, projection, protrusion, swell
Antonyms
cavity, concave, concavity, dent, depression, dint, hollow, indent, indentation, indenture, pit, recess
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Examples of protuberance in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
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 From this face extended a fleshy protuberance, similar to a mini elephant trunk or a tapir’s proboscis. — Steph Yin, New York Times, "Strange Mammals That Stumped Darwin Finally Find a Home," 3 July 2017 The jewel-tone dresses had fan-like protuberances attached to them. — The Washington Post, The Denver Post, "Saint Laurent is trying too hard to be sexy, and it’s just not working," 1 Mar. 2017 These knobby protuberances, known as galls, are sort of like tree cysts induced by the presence of the host wasp's young. — Andrew Forbes, National Geographic, "New Crypt-Keeper Wasp Is Parasite That Bursts From Host's Head," 25 Jan. 2017 A tinge of menace emanates from the best ones, their spiky protuberances, wiggly tendrils and starburst-style blossoms evoking sci-fi weaponry and ear-splitting explosions. — David Pagel, latimes.com, "Take a walk through the imaginary garden of Anna Zemánková," 9 June 2017These 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.
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More Definitions for protuberance
protuberance
noun
English Language Learners Definition of protuberance
: a usually rounded part that sticks out from a surface
See the full definition for protuberance in the English Language Learners Dictionary
protuberance
noun
\
Medical Definition of protuberance
1 : something that is protuberant a bony protuberance
2 : the quality or state of being protuberant
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