promontory Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a natural elevation (especially a rocky one that juts out into the sea)
    headland; head; foreland.

WordNet

Prom"on*to*ry noun
Etymology
L. promonturium, promunturium; pro before + mons, montis, mountain: cf. F. promontoire. See Mount, n.
Wordforms
plural Promontories
Definitions
  1. (Phys. Geog.) A high point of land or rock projecting into the sea beyond the line of coast; a headland; a high cape.
    Like one that stands upon a promontory. Shak.
  2. (Anat.) A projecting part. Especially: (a) The projecting angle of the ventral side of the sacrum where it joins the last lumbar vertebra. (b) A prominence on the inner wall of the tympanum of the ear.

Webster 1913