protrude
What does "protrude" mean?
To protrude means to stick out or extend beyond the normal level or surface of something. Imagine a branch reaching out from a tree trunk or a rock jutting out from a cliff face; it describes an object that breaks the plane of its surroundings to occupy space in the foreground. While it is a neutral descriptive term, it is often used in contexts where something is physically noticeable or perhaps slightly obstructive. It is more formal than "stick out" and is commonly used in technical, architectural, or anatomical descriptions, such as describing a bone that protrudes under the skin.
"protrude" in conversation
Carpentry project
Watch out for that nail, it's protruding from the wood.
Watch out for that nail, it's sticking out from the wood.
Good catch, I'll hammer it down right now.
Good catch, I'll hammer it down right now.
Used here to describe a physical hazard that extends beyond a surface.
Geology field trip
Notice how the limestone layers protrude from the embankment here.
Notice how the limestone layers stick out from the embankment here.
They look like they've been pushed out by pressure.
They look like they've been pushed out by pressure.
Used in a scientific or observational context to describe natural formations.
"protrude" in a sentence
The pen protruded from his shirt pocket.
The pen protruded from his shirt pocket.
Sharp rocks protrude from the seabed, making it dangerous for boats.
Sharp rocks protrude from the seabed, making it dangerous for boats.
The architect designed the balcony to protrude significantly from the building's facade.
The architect designed the balcony to protrude significantly from the building's facade.
