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Protrusion: meaning, definitions and examples

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protrusion

 

[prəˈtruːʒ(ə)n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

body part

The action or state of protruding or being protruded.

Synonyms

bulge, extending, jut.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
protrusion

This term is often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe something that sticks out from a surface or structure.

  • The scan revealed a protrusion in the patient's spinal column.
  • There is a slight protrusion on the surface of the skin.
bulge

This word is used to describe a rounded swelling or bump, often in casual or informal contexts, such as describing a physical shape or form.

  • She noticed a bulge in her bag that wasn't there before.
  • The tires started to develop a dangerous bulge.
jut

Primarily used to describe something that sticks out sharply or at an angle, often in natural or physical descriptions.

  • The cliff juts out over the ocean.
  • A piece of rock juts from the mountainside.
extending

This term implies something is stretching out or being made longer, and is commonly used in formal or technical writing to describe spatial or temporal expansion.

  • The deadline was extending by another two weeks.
  • The road is extending far into the horizon.

Examples of usage

  • He had a small protrusion on his forehead.
  • The protrusion of the rock made it difficult to climb.
Context #2 | Noun

architecture

An object or part that is sticking out from a surface.

Synonyms

outcrop, overhang, projection.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
protrusion

Useful for describing something that sticks out from a surface or object, especially in a medical or anatomical context.

  • The X-ray showed a protrusion in the patient's spine.
  • A small protrusion on the surface of the rock made it easier to climb.
projection

Commonly used in various contexts to describe something that extends outward, such as architectural elements or future estimates based on current data.

  • The architect added a balcony as a projection from the main structure.
  • The company's financial projection for the next quarter looks promising.
outcrop

Typically used in geology to describe visible rock formations or layers that appear above the earth's surface.

  • The geologists studied the rock outcrop to understand the area's geological history.
  • We found an outcrop of granite in the field.
overhang

Often used to describe a part of something that extends outward and hangs over an edge or surface, like a roof, cliff, or tree branch.

  • The roof had a large overhang that provided shade.
  • We set up our camp beneath an overhang to stay dry in the rain.

Examples of usage

  • The building's design included several protrusions.
  • The protrusion of the balcony added character to the house.
Context #3 | Noun

medical

A hernia or other abnormal body part that sticks out abnormally.

Synonyms

bulge, hernia, swelling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
protrusion

Used to describe something that sticks out from a surface in a noticeable way.

  • The tree's roots created a protrusion in the sidewalk
  • The protrusion on the wall needs to be smoothed out before painting
hernia

A medical term used to describe an internal organ pushing through the muscle or tissue that holds it. Always has a negative connotation as it refers to a health condition.

  • The doctor diagnosed him with a hernia and recommended surgery
  • She experienced severe pain due to a hernia after lifting heavy weights
bulge

Often used to describe a rounded swelling or projection that can be seen or felt. Can sometimes have a negative connotation, suggesting an unsightly or uncomfortable shape.

  • She noticed a bulge in the mattress where the springs had broken
  • His pocket had a noticeable bulge from carrying too many items
swelling

Commonly used in medical or casual contexts to describe an area of the body that has increased in size due to injury, infection, or inflammation. Generally has a negative connotation.

  • He applied ice to the injured ankle to reduce the swelling
  • The swelling around the bee sting had grown overnight

Examples of usage

  • The doctor diagnosed him with a protrusion in his abdomen.
  • The protrusion required surgical intervention.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'protrusion' comes from the Latin 'protrudere', which means 'to push forward'.
  • It combines 'pro', meaning forward, and 'trus', meaning to thrust.
  • Usage began in the early 1600s, and its meaning related to sticking out has remained consistent.

Science

  • In biology, protrusions can refer to structures like fins on fish that help them navigate through water.
  • Geologically, a protrusion may describe land formations like an outcrop or a mountain peak extending from a larger land mass.
  • In medical terms, a protrusion can refer to conditions, such as a herniated disc, where part of the disc extends out of its normal boundary.

Art

  • In sculpture, protrusions add a sense of movement and can create dynamic visual effects in three-dimensional pieces.
  • Certain art styles, like relief sculpture, rely heavily on protrusions to create depth and detail.
  • Architectural designs often incorporate protrusions in features like balconies and awnings to enhance aesthetics and functionality.

Pop Culture

  • Superhero comics often feature characters with protrusions, like spikes or elongated limbs, accentuating their unique abilities.
  • In video games, protrusions add layers to environments, like the branches of trees sticking into the gameplay space.
  • Movies frequently use protruding elements in their set designs to create dramatic effects, like cliffs or towering structures.

Psychology

  • Protrusion-related concepts can influence perceptions of threat; items that stick out may appear more dangerous.
  • Objects with protrusions can affect cognitive load, requiring more attention and mental processing.
  • In design, protruded elements are sometimes used to provoke curiosity and engagement in viewers.

Translations

Translations of the word "protrusion" in other languages:

🇵🇹 protuberância

🇮🇳 उभराव

🇩🇪 Vorsprung

🇮🇩 penonjolan

🇺🇦 виступ

🇵🇱 występ

🇯🇵 突起 (とっき)

🇫🇷 protubérance

🇪🇸 protuberancia

🇹🇷 çıkıntı

🇰🇷 돌출

🇸🇦 بروز

🇨🇿 výrůstek

🇸🇰 výčnelok

🇨🇳 突起 (tūqǐ)

🇸🇮 izboklina

🇮🇸 útstæði

🇰🇿 шығыңқы

🇬🇪 გამოწევა

🇦🇿 çıxıntı

🇲🇽 protuberancia

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,305, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.