Abstract: In this paper, we present a segmentation algorithm which partitions a mesh based on the premise that a 3D object consists of a core body and its constituent protrusible parts. Our approach is based on prominent feature extraction and core approximation and segments the mesh into perceptually meaningful components. Based upon the aforementioned premise, we present a methodology to compute the prominent features of the mesh, to approximate the core of the mesh and finally to trace the partitioning boundaries which will be further refined using a minimum cut algorithm. Although the proposed methodology is aligned with a general framework introduced by Lin et al. (IEEE Trans. Multimedia 9(1):46-57, 2007), new approaches have been introduced for the implementation of distinct stages of the framework leading to improved efficiency and robustness. The evaluation of the proposed algorithm is addressed in a consistent framework wherein a comparison with the state of the art is performed.