noun
boss
A rounded projection on a surface.
A rounded boss rises from the center of the metal shield.
Etymology
French bosse named a swelling or lump. The word retains that raised shape in English, describing a rounded feature that projects above the surrounding surface.
More examples
- The door had a decorative brass boss.
- Several stone bosses decorated the vaulted ceiling.
- The craftsman polished the shield's central boss.
Forms
boss · bosses
Similar words
- knob
- Usually a smaller rounded projection that may be grasped.
- projection
- Projection is broader than a rounded raised knob.