Entry Word: knot

Function: noun

Meaning: 1 a number of things considered as a unit <from the summit we could see knots of houses up and down the river> — see group 1
2 a small rounded mass of swollen tissue <felt a small knot on the back of his head> — see bump 1
3 a uniting or binding force or influence <their business partnership is strengthened by the knot of personal friendship> — see bond 2
4 a usually small number of persons considered as a unit <knots of people were quietly chatting around the meeting hall> — see group 2
5 something that requires thought and skill for resolution <mercy killing is generally seen as a matter fraught with legal and medical knots> — see problem 1