excrescence

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“
Let us also note that the lower pole expands into the umbilical excrescence, which is less easy of perforation than those parts protected by the skin alone.

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Definitions (5)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (2)

  1. noun An outgrowth or enlargement, especially an abnormal one, such as a wart.
  2. noun A usually unwanted or unnecessary accretion: "Independent agencies were an excrescence on the Constitution” (Los Angeles Times).

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Examples (50)

  • Smooth, flowing, rounded, undulating outlines, which the eye glides along without check, are insipid and profitless to him, and he “welcomes the rebuff” of every jagged excrescence or ragged fray, of every sudden and abrupt breach of continuity. —  Robert Browning
  • The Dwarf Page is also an excrescence, and I plead guilty to all the censures concerning him. —  Selected English Letters (XV - XIX Centuries)
  • All else is surplusage, excrescence, adornment luxury, or folly which can—and must—be dumped in emergency to preserve this prime function. —  BEN BOVA
  • This excrescence was supposed to be the antidote to the throwaway society. —  Blogposts | guardian.co.uk
  • In the young, the excrescence is naked An erect mane, somewhat resembling that of a cropped Shetland pony, runs from the base of the horns over the withers, and some way down the back. —  The Hunters' Feast Conversations Around the Camp Fire
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Etymologies (1)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Middle English, from Latin excrēscentia, from neuter pl. of excrēscēns, excrēscent-, present participle of excrēscere, to grow out : ex-, ex- + crēscere, to grow; see ker-2 in Indo-European roots.
 

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/ɛksˈkrɛsəns, ənsi/
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