nodule

noun

nod·​ule ˈnä-(ˌ)jül 

: a small mass of rounded or irregular shape: such as

a

: a small rounded lump of a mineral or mineral aggregate

b

: a swelling on a leguminous root that contains symbiotic bacteria

c

: a small abnormal knobby bodily protuberance (such as a tumorous growth or a calcification near an arthritic joint)

Synonyms of nodule

• swelling
• lump
• node
• bump
• bruise
• tumor

Examples of nodule in a Sentence

The examination revealed a nodule on his lung.

a nodule on the leaf indicated that a worm had laid eggs there

Recent Examples on the Web

And since then, there have been many other mechanisms that have been discovered, by which how the plants really keep a check on that bacteria from overgrowing the nodule. — Quanta Magazine, 15 Oct. 2026

Deep-sea mining companies are targeting this vast reserves of metal-rich nodules to power the electric vehicle market. — Mrigakshi Dixit, Interesting Engineering, 14 Oct. 2026

After discovering a nodule in Pope Leo XIV's lung, surgeons at Gemelli Hospital in Rome performed surgery on Tuesday that revealed the Pope has cancer. — Alice Park, Time, 14 Oct. 2026

In the pope’s case, a nodule in his lung was spotted during another exam. — Lauran Neergaard, Los Angeles Times, 14 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin nodulus, diminutive of nodus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for nodule

• module

Kids Definition

nodule

noun

nod·​ule ˈnäj-(ˌ)ü(ə)l 

1

: a small rounded mass

manganese nodules on the ocean floor

2

: a swelling on the root of a plant of the legume family that contains nitrogen-fixing bacteria

nodular

ˈnäj-ə-lər

adjective

Medical Definition

nodule

noun

nod·​ule ˈnäj-(ˌ)ü(ə)l 

: a small mass of rounded or irregular shape: as

a

: a small abnormal knobby bodily protuberance (as a tumorous growth or a calcification near an arthritic joint)

b

: the nodulus of the cerebellum