protuberance
Something sticking out
A protuberance is something that bulges or sticks out from a surface—a bump, knob, or swelling.
The word applies to bodily growths, geological formations, or any rounded projection: The doctor examined the bony protuberance on his skull.
It carries a clinical or descriptive tone, often used when precision matters more than elegance.
Slight collision or protrusion
- lumpShapeless solid mass
- knobRounded gripping fixture
- nodeConnection point in networks
- noduleRounded small lump
boss · tubercle · process · condyle · tuberosity · papilla · nub · knurl
Abnormal tissue mass
- cystFluid-filled tissue sac
- noduleRounded small lump
- growthIncrease in size
- lesionArea of pathological change
polyp · wart · papule · neoplasm · lipoma · fibroma · adenoma · mass
Increase in size
- bulgeOutward curved projection
- distensionEnlargement from pressure
- ballooningSwelling or aerial drifting
- bloatSwell abnormally
puffiness · engorgement · tumescence · intumescence · billow · pouch · convexity · gibbousness
Slight collision or protrusion
- pimpleInflamed skin bump
- weltRaised skin injury
- blisterFluid-filled skin swelling
- whealRaised skin lesion
boil · pustule · cyst · acne · zit · blemish · hive · papule
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- convexityOutward-curving quality
- distensionEnlargement from pressure
- outgrowthSomething developing from another
- bellyFront midsection
billow · puffiness · rounded · tumescence · ballooning · expansion · undulation · overhang
Surfacing native stone
promontory · escarpment · ridge · spur · butte · pinnacle · mesa · drumlin
Workplace superior
- knobRounded gripping fixture
- studUpright wall framing
- rivetHeaded pin hammered flat
- finialDecorative top element
corbel · bracket · flange · lug · nub · bead · molding · relief
bump
Slight collision or protrusion
nodule · boss · tubercle · process · condyle · tuberosity · papilla · nub · knurl · eminence
tumor
Abnormal tissue mass
lesion · polyp · wart · papule · neoplasm · lipoma · fibroma · adenoma · mass · lump
swell
Increase in size
- bulgeOutward curved projection
- distensionEnlargement from pressure
- ballooningSwelling or aerial drifting
bloat · puffiness · engorgement · tumescence · intumescence · billow · pouch · convexity · gibbousness · belly
bump
Slight collision or protrusion
wheal · boil · pustule · cyst · acne · zit · blemish · hive · papule · nodule
swelling
Abnormal tissue enlargement
- convexityOutward-curving quality
- distensionEnlargement from pressure
- outgrowthSomething developing from another
belly · billow · puffiness · rounded · tumescence · ballooning · expansion · undulation · overhang · outcurve
outcrop
Surfacing native stone
bluff · promontory · escarpment · ridge · spur · butte · pinnacle · mesa · drumlin · hillock
boss
Workplace superior
finial · corbel · bracket · flange · lug · nub · bead · molding · relief · embossment
boss
Workplace superior
handle · grip · finial · pommel · newel · doorknob · drawer pull · cabinet pull · ball · sphere
ledge
Projecting horizontal surface
- overhangSection projecting beyond support
- cantileverBeam supported one end
- jettyStructure extending into water
balcony · eave · corbel · bracket · shelf · projection · buttress · oriel · bay · console
protuberanceindentation
Inward cut or setback
cavity · depression · concavity · hollow · recess