\Pro*tu"ber*ance\, n. [Cf. F. protub['e]rance. See
{Protuberant}.]
That which is protuberant swelled or pushed beyond the
surrounding or adjacent surface; a swelling or tumor on the
body; a prominence; a bunch or knob; an elevation.
{Solar protuberances} (Astron.), certain rose-colored masses
   on the limb of the sun which are seen to extend beyond the
   edge of the moon at the time of a solar eclipse. They may
   be discovered with the spectroscope on any clear day.
   Called also {solar prominences}. See Illust. in Append.
Syn: {Projection}, {Protuberance}. protuberance differs from
     projection, being applied to parts that rise from the
     surface with a gradual ascent or small angle; whereas a
     projection may be at a right angle with the surface.