noun

protuberance

proh-TOO-ber-uns/prəʊˈtuːbərəns/

A part that bulges or sticks out from a surface.

A smooth protuberance projects from the otherwise even tree bark.

A distinct smooth bump projecting outward from otherwise smooth tree bark.

Etymology

proLatinforward

+tuberLatinlump, swelling

+anceEnglishstate or condition

The pieces evoke a lump swelling outward beyond the surrounding surface. Early uses included bodily swellings as well as other projecting things, so the selected meaning preserves that physical image.

In context

Blackriver & Bootsma Education1:15

the external occipital protuberance a lot of people shorten that to EOP if you're palpating on the back of your head it's quite a noticeable obvious bump that's sticking out

Bony Landmark Palpation - Occipital Bone (Skull)

More examples

The skull has a bony protuberance behind each ear.
She grips a protuberance in the rock to steady herself.
The potter smooths away the unwanted protuberances on the vase.

Forms

protuberance · protuberances

protuberant adjective — Bulging or sticking out from a surface.

Similar words

protrusion: Emphasizes extension beyond a surface, not necessarily a rounded bulge.
bump: Usually a small, rounded raised area on a surface.
bulge: Suggests a rounded swelling rather than a sharply projecting part.