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 Many of these species are brightly colored and have protuberances and stinging hairs known as setae, that can cause a rash to humans that touch them. Elizabeth Gamillo, Discover Magazine, 2 Oct. 2023 From above, the appendages look like the protuberances of an amoeba. Victoria Sayo Turner, Smithsonian Magazine, 26 Sep. 2023 Despite such a distant relationship to the pachycephalosaurs, however, Triopticus independently evolved a very similar noggin, all the way down to spike-like protuberances around the dome. Riley Black, Smithsonian Magazine, 22 Mar. 2023 Just look for a lower protuberance from which stems or leaves emerge, and do not remove them or new growth will not fill in. oregonlive, 29 Jan. 2023 For example, why were American women encouraged to torture themselves with cage-like corsets, don yards of cumbersome cloth and carry around a heavy protuberance called a bustle? John Kelly, Washington Post, 10 Sep. 2022 One particularly exciting aspect of the Wyoming fossil is a bony protuberance over its eye sockets, which is not a feature seen in nocturnal birds. Jeanne Timmons, Ars Technica, 25 May 2022 When an untitled 6½-foot piece — a looping, lobed protuberance that dangles from the ceiling — was auctioned at Christie’s in 2020, bidding climbed to $5.4 million, which was above the high estimate. Los Angeles Times, 5 Feb. 2022 Tourists speeding toward Grand Canyon National Park rarely notice the rocky protuberance that juts above the flat expanse of Arizona's Coconino Plateau. USA Today, 17 Aug. 2021

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 19 Mar. 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

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!