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 nodule was found during a routine physical exam, the spokesperson said on May 13. —Kirsty Hatcher, People.com, 19 May 2025

Doctors at Delray Medical Center used the newest robotic machines to biopsy, mark, and remove the lung lobe where the nodule resided. —Cindy Krischer Goodman, Sun Sentinel, 15 June 2025

But in this case, Biden's office said his symptoms led to a prostate exam that resulted in the discovery of a small nodule. —Jordan Freiman, CBS News, 18 May 2025

First, there are polymetallic nodules, which are sort of a metallic lump, anywhere from cherry sized to potato sized. —Jeffrey Kluger, Time, 5 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