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

• 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

The worry is that if the nodules are indeed naturally producing oxygen, then the removal of those nodules could have grave consequences for the local ecosystem. —Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025

Deep-sea nodules were first discovered more than a century ago. —Daniel Ackerman, NPR, 30 June 2025

Polymetallic nodule mining has drawn the most interest: 19 of the International Seabed Authority’s 31 exploration contracts are for identifying potential sites for mining these nodules, the largest of which is the Pacific Ocean’s Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ). —Amber X. Chen, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 July 2025

In that test, the firm retrieved 3,000 tons of nodules from the seabed, a feat unmatched by most industry peers. —Daniel Ackerman, NPR, 30 June 2025

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