Protruding

Protruding is an adjective used to describe an object or part that extends outward from a surface or body. The related noun protrusion refers to the outward extension itself. The term derives from the Latin protrudere, pro- meaning forward and trudere meaning to thrust.

Common contexts include architecture (balconies, cornices that extend from walls), geology (rock promontories or spurs that jut from terrain), and biology (anatomical protrusions such as beaks, spines, or plant structures like thorns). In medicine and dentistry, protrusion can describe outward extension of tissue, including forward-positioned teeth (tooth protrusion) or a swelling that projects from a surface.

Measurement and implications: Protrusion is typically measured as a distance from a reference plane or surface, with direction noted. In design and engineering, protrusions must be accounted for in clearance, safety, and aesthetics; in biology, the functional role of a protruding structure may relate to feeding, defense, or interaction with the environment.

Related terms and distinctions: Protrusion is closely related to projection, bulge, extrusion, and promontory. The distinctions are subtle and often contextual: protrusion emphasizes an outward extension from a boundary, while projection can denote a broader range of outward offsets or planned features.