From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The term promontory is a protrusion as seen in
[edit] Anatomy
- In anatomy, a promontory is 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.
[edit] Geography
- A promontory is a prominent mass of land which overlooks lower lying land or a body of water (e.g., a peninsula or headland).
- The first Transcontinental Railroad in North America—constructed simultaneously beginning from the west coast (Sacramento, California) and from the more populated east (starting in Omaha, Nebraska)—was joined at Promontory, Utah, near Promontory Summit, north of the Great Salt Lake.
- A place called Promontory Point, Utah is on Promontory Point, a cape jutting out into the Great Salt Lake.
- A promontory overlooking lower lying land often has a shape resembling that of a nose. This is reflected in the Scottish Highlands, where a number of hills are called Sròn, the Gaelic word for nose.
