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projection

noun
pro·​jec·​tion | \ prÉ™-ˈjek-shÉ™n How to pronounce projection (audio) \

Definition of projection

1a : 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
2 : a transforming change
3 : the act of throwing or thrusting forward
4 : the forming of a plan : scheming
5a(1) : a jutting out
(2) : a part that juts out
b : a view of a building or architectural element
6a : 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
7 : the display of motion pictures by projecting an image from them upon a screen
8a : the act of projecting especially to an audience
b : control of the volume, clarity, and distinctness of a voice to gain greater audibility
9 : an estimate of future possibilities based on a current trend
Other Words from projection Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Did You Know? More Example Sentences Learn More about projection

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Other Words from projection

projectional \ prÉ™-​ˈjek-​shnÉ™l How to pronounce projectional (audio) , -​shÉ™-​nᵊl \ adjective

Choose the Right Synonym for 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

Did You Know?

Projection has various meanings, but what they all have in common is that something is sent out or forward. A movie is projected onto a screen; a skilled actress projects her voice out into a large theater without seeming to shout; and something sticking out from a wall can be called a projection. But the meaning we focus on here is the one used by businesses and governments. Most projections of this kind are estimates of a company's sales or profits--or of the finances of a town, state, or country--sometime in the future.

Examples of projection in a Sentence

He gave a projection of future expenses. projections on the rock wall

Recent Examples on the Web

 Current conservative projections for sea level rise by the end of this century (by 2100) are for an additional 12-24 inches, according to the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. — Brandon Miller, CNN, "Climate change makes storms like Dorian more dangerous," 4 Sep. 2019 Shine a Light is a presentation of her work, including digital metal prints, micro video projections, window treatments and a multimedia installation in the gallery. — La Cañada Valley Sun, "La Cañada area events," 3 Sep. 2019 Now, our projections for the 2019 games … Reminders: 1) Alamo, Holiday and Redbox have their choice of teams so long as there is no more than a one-game difference in conference record. — Jon Wilner, The Denver Post, "Pac-12 bowl projections: No playoff berth but nine teams in and Utah to the Rose," 28 Aug. 2019 Toll revolt Despite the concerns over traffic projections, residents in Mobile and Baldwin counties are revolting over a proposal to finance the massive project with tolls. — al, "State continues to monitor I-10 traffic at the Wallace Tunnel," 27 Aug. 2019 Here's several other early bowl projections: • 247Sports predicts Cincinnati will face Army in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl in Texas on Dec. 22. — Fletcher Page, Cincinnati.com, "2019 college football bowl projections all over the map for Cincinnati football," 25 Aug. 2019 The study, like other projections on how climate change may influence economic growth, makes assumptions about emissions trends, how society may try to adapt to the effects of global warming and other factors. — Andrew Freedman, chicagotribune.com, "Climate change could cost the U.S. up to 10.5 percent of its GDP by 2100, study finds," 22 Aug. 2019 Revisiting FanGraphs’ projections, the biggest gaps come at either end of the spectrum. — Jon Tayler, SI.com, "MLB Power Rankings: How Close Have Teams Performed to Their Preseason Projections?," 22 Aug. 2019 At 15 years old: astral projection, out-of-body experiences, no drugs involved. — Duff Mcdonald, WIRED, "The Cosmic, Psychedelic, Glow-in-the-Dark Art of Alex Aliume," 20 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'projection.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of projection

1551, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

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More Definitions for projection

projection

noun
How to pronounce projection (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of projection

: 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

See the full definition for projection in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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