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projection

noun pro·jec·tion \prə-ˈjek-shən\

: an estimate of what might happen in the future based on what is happening now

: something that sticks out from a surface

: the act or process of causing a picture, movie, etc., to appear on a surface

Full Definition of PROJECTION

a : a systematic presentation of intersecting coordinate lines on a flat surface upon which features from a curved surface (as of the earth or the celestial sphere) may be mapped <an equal-area map projection>

b : the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object upon a plane or curved surface or a line by projecting its points; also : a graph or figure so formed

: a transforming change

: the act of throwing or thrusting forward

: the forming of a plan : scheming

a (1) : a jutting out (2) : a part that juts out

b : a view of a building or architectural element

a : the act of perceiving a mental object as spatially and sensibly objective; also : something so perceived

b : the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects; especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety

: the display of motion pictures by projecting an image from them upon a screen

a : the act of projecting especially to an audience

b : control of the volume, clarity, and distinctness of a voice to gain greater audibility

: an estimate of future possibilities based on a current trend

— pro·jec·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-n^əl\ adjective

See projection defined for English-language learners

See projection defined for kids

First Known Use of PROJECTION

1557

Related to PROJECTION

Synonyms: bunch, convexity, jut, overhang, bulge, protrusion, protuberance, swell

Antonyms: cavity, concave, concavity, dent, depression, dint, hollow, indent, indentation, indenture, pit, recess

Synonym Discussion of PROJECTION

projection, protrusion, protuberance, bulge mean an extension beyond the normal line or surface. projection implies a jutting out especially at a sharp angle <those projections along the wall are safety hazards>. protrusion suggests a thrusting out so that the extension seems a deformity <the bizarre protrusions of a coral reef>. protuberance implies a growing or swelling out in rounded form <a skin disease marked by warty protuberances>. bulge suggests an expansion caused by internal pressure <bulges in the tile floor>.

Other Cartography Terms

Robinson projection, benchmark, plat, topography

Rhymes with PROJECTION

abjection, advection, affection, bisection, collection, complexion, confection, connection, convection, correction, cross section, C-section, defection, deflection, dejection, detection, direction, ejection, election, erection, infection, inflection, injection, inspection, midsection, objection, perfection, prelection, protection, refection, reflection, rejection, resection, selection, subjection, subsection, trajection, transection, trisection

PROJECTION Defined for Kids

projection

noun pro·jec·tion \prə-ˈjek-shən\

Definition of PROJECTION for Kids

: something that sticks out

: the act or process of causing to appear on a surface (as by means of motion pictures or slides)

Medical Dictionary

projection

noun pro·jec·tion \prə-ˈjek-shən\

Medical Definition of PROJECTION

a : the process or technique of reproducing a spatial object or a section of such an object upon a plane or curved surface b : a diagram or figure formed by projection; especially : view

a : the act of referring a mental image constructed by the brain from bits of data collected by the sense organs to the actual source of stimulation outside the body b : the attribution of one's own ideas, feelings, or attitudes to other people or to objects; especially : the externalization of blame, guilt, or responsibility as a defense against anxiety

: the functional correspondence and connection of parts of the cerebral cortex with parts of the organism <the projection of the retina upon the visual area>