excrescence

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   an abnormal growth or projection on a living body or natural object

   The surgeon examined the small excrescence on the patient's eyelid.

2. 2
   noun

   an ugly, unwanted, or unnecessary addition to something

   Critics called the concrete extension an excrescence on the historic building.

From Latin excrescentia, 'an abnormal growth,' based on excrescere, 'to grow out,' from ex-, 'out,' + crescere, 'to grow.' The figurative sense treats an objectionable addition as an unsightly growth.

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