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to protuberate

to protuberate

9.9
To stick out from a surface like a bump
  • verb
  • /prəˈtjuːbərɪt/
translation icon : abultar
  • The tumor caused the tissue to protuberate outward, creating an obvious bulge on the patient's arm.

Examples

  • The old oak tree's roots protuberated from the ground, making the path uneven.

  • As the dough rose, it started to protuberate from the bowl, spilling over the sides.

  • A swelling beneath the skin began to protuberate noticeably, alarming the patient.

  • Heavy rainfall can protuberate the river banks, causing dangerous flooding in some areas.

  • The skin began to protuberate after the injury.

  • The balloon protuberates at the center.

  • After inflating the balloon, it began to protuberate at the center, indicating it was full.

Synonyms

to stick out
vsto protuberate
61 3.2

To extend beyond a surface or edge

is broader, applying to any part or area that bulges out
to protrude
vsto protuberate
31 5.8

To stick out from a surface or edge

is more general, covering bulging, swelling, or any outward extension
to project
vsto protuberate
23 4.3

To stick out from a surface

is less about simple extension and more about any bulging from a surface
to pop out
vsto protuberate
21 3.1

To come out quickly from a surface or container

describes any protrusion without implying a sudden or quick action
to jut
vsto protuberate
19 4.8

To stick out from a surface, as when a balcony hangs over a street

includes that action but also refers to general swelling or bumping out
to poke out
vsto protuberate
16 3.5

To stick out from something like a wall or table

is similar but often refers to any larger swelling rather than small extensions
to distend
vsto protuberate
12 8.2

To swell because of pressure inside, for example a stomach or a balloon

is about outward projection generally, not specifically internal pressure causes
to jut out
vsto protuberate
9 3.4

To stick out from a surface like a rock or shelf

is wider in use, covering both sharp projections and rounded swellings
to bulge
vsto protuberate
7 2.9

To swell so that part of something sticks out

is the general verb for any swelling or part pushing out from a surface
to blow up
vsto protuberate
7 2.7

To swell or become larger suddenly

is calmer, describing outward swelling without implying force or suddenness
to puff out
vsto protuberate
5 3.5

To make something larger by filling with air or pride

is neutral about cause, covering any outward swelling regardless of filling
to bulge out
vsto protuberate
3 3.7

To stick out in a round shape, like a pocket or balloon

is broader, meaning any outward swelling or projection from a surface
to bulk
vsto protuberate
1 5.4

To stick out or swell in a visible way

focuses on any local swelling or part that projects from a surface
to blimp out
vsto protuberate
  • Informal
1 9.2

To become much larger, often by filling with air

is the general term for any bulging or sticking out without rapid change

Antonyms

23 2.6

Make something flat and smooth by pressing it

How Much It Bulges

to bulge
7 2.9
to protuberate
9.9
to jut
19 4.8
to project
23 4.3

Surface Forms

protuberate infinitive
protuberated past participle
protuberating present participle
protuberates third person singular

Morphology

protuberate = protuber (opaque) = pro + tuber + ate

The word is built from 'protuber' + '-ate', but the meaning shift from 'tuber' to 'bulge out' is not immediately clear.

Etymology

Protuberate comes from Latin parts pro- 'forward' and tuber 'lump' or 'swelling'. So to protuberate is to stick out or bulge forward from a surface, like a root or a bump.