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

Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a bright cluster of nodules surrounded by fluid in her left frontal lobe. — Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 22 Sep. 2026

Roughly 95% of people who undergo a full-body MRI will have at least one abnormal finding, and more than 90% of those findings are harmless cysts, nodules or other changes that don’t affect overall health. — Hanna Wickes, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 21 Sep. 2026

More than 90% of those findings are harmless cysts, nodules or other changes that do not affect overall health. — Hanna Wickes, Miami Herald, 21 Sep. 2026

Sarcoidosis is a disease in which nodules form, most commonly, in the lymph nodes, lungs, bones and skin. — Lila Dominus, CNN Money, 10 Sep. 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