protrusion

noun

pro·​tru·​sion prō-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

: something (such as an anatomical part or excrescence) that protrudes

2

: the act of protruding : the state of being protruded

Synonyms

• bulge
• bunch
• convexity
• jut
• overhang
• projection
• protuberance
• swell

Choose the Right Synonym for protrusion

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 protrusion in a Sentence

bony protrusions on the outside of the elbow

a roof with many protrusions

The pain was caused by a protrusion of a disc in his lower back.

Recent Examples on the Web

Lenovo developed a rectangular protrusion on the laptop’s base to make room for new vapor chambers connected to two spinning fans inside, situated over the processor. —Joe Osborne, PCMAG, 7 Jan. 2025

Avoid rolling over any knobby bits or boney protrusions, since that’s often where sensitive connective tissue anchors and nerves hide, too. —Hayden Carpenter, Outside Online, 19 Nov. 2024

The Cybertruck’s hood would also need to flex, and there should be no protrusions to gain a good NCAP pedestrian safety score. —Carlton Reid, WIRED, 15 Oct. 2024

The melon is a protrusion on a beluga’s forehead, made up of fatty tissue and muscle. —Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Latin protrudere

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Kids Definition

protrusion

noun

pro·​tru·​sion prō-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

: the act of protruding : the state of being protruded

2

: something that protrudes

Medical Definition

protrusion

noun

pro·​tru·​sion prō-ˈtrü-zhən 

1

: the quality or state of protruding

the protrusion of a jaw

2

: something (as an anatomical part) that protrudes