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

• bump
• knot
• lump
• node
• swelling

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

Seabed nodules were located at profound depth and pressure; extracting them was therefore a complex and capital-intensive process. —Time, 17 June 2025

Instead of the process taking days, a pathologist in the room with Milan looked at the biopsy of Lesk’s nodule under a microscope moments after it was removed and identified it as cancerous. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025

At one point, her endocrinologist detected a tiny nodule in her neck, which prompted Burke to get a biopsy. —Mara Santilli, Flow Space, 11 June 2025

Biden was having increasing urinary symptoms and was seen last week by doctors who found a prostate nodule. —Carla K. Johnson, Los Angeles Times, 19 May 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