Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

nodulate

verb
nod·u·late | \ -jəˌlāt \
-ed/-ing/-s

Definition of nodulate 

transitive verb

1 : nodulize

2 : to cause the formation of nodules on or in some rhizobia are capable of nodulating several different legumes

intransitive verb

: to form or multiply in nodules —used of symbiotic nitrogen-fixing bacteria

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for nodulate

probably back-formation from nodulated, adjective

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about nodulate

Dictionary Entries near nodulate

nod out

nodular

nodular iron

nodulate

nodulated

nodulation

nodule

Statistics for nodulate

Look-up Popularity

Comments on nodulate

What made you want to look up nodulate? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

biannual

occurring twice a year or every two years

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Name that Food Quiz

  • alt-573b465788319
  • Name these cookies!
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Word Winder's CrossWinder

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games