nodule

noun nod·ule \ ˈnä-(ˌ)jül \

Updated on: 29 Mar 2018

Definition of nodule

: 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)

See nodule defined for English-language learners

See nodule defined for kids

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 of nodule from the Web

Vocal abuse can create vocal nodules and sometimes irreversible voice damage.

— amy dickinson, Detroit Free Press, "Granddaughter’s middle name leaves gram out," 20 Mar. 2018
Vocal abuse can create vocal nodules and sometimes irreversible voice damage.

— amy dickinson, chicagotribune.com, "Granddaughter's middle name leaves gram out," 20 Mar. 2018
The result is pain, inflammation, and the formation of nodules, cysts, and scar tissue.

— maya dusenbery, Teen Vogue, "Endometriosis Is Going Undiagnosed Due to the Normalization of Menstrual Pain," 15 Mar. 2018
In commercial production, a similar cord will pump a slurry of nodules and dirt back up to the ship—an impressive bit of engineering.

— The Economist, "Undersea miningRace to the bottom," 8 Mar. 2018
The clinician can feel the back surface of the prostate to check if there is any suspicious nodule or lump.

— dr. jared heiner, idahostatesman, "New treatment offers relief to prostate cancer patients | Idaho Statesman," 19 Feb. 2018
Another CAT scan of the chest confirmed her many pulmonary nodules.

— jamie garfield, Philly.com, "Medical Mystery: The cough that would not stop," 5 Feb. 2018
In the last 40 years, over a hundred scientific expeditions have visited the C.C.Z. where metal-containing nodules lie half-buried on the seafloor.

— xiaozhi lim, New York Times, "New Species of Sponges Found on the Pacific Seafloor," 5 Oct. 2017
Of those, the most common complications were swelling, infection, the presence of a nodule or lump, and pain.

— jacqueline howard, CNN, "Cosmetic skin fillers rise in popularity, and complications," 21 Dec. 2017

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'nodule.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of nodule

Middle English, from Latin nodulus, diminutive of nodus

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 15th century

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

nodule Synonyms

Synonyms

bump, knot, lump, node, swelling;

Related Words

growth, tumor, wart;

hump, hunch;

bruise, contusion, welt;

blister, boil;

blob, chunk, clod, clump, gob, gobbet, hunk, knob, nub, nubble, nugget, wad;

NODULE Defined for English Language Learners

nodule

noun

Definition of nodule for English Language Learners

: a small lump on a part of the body or on the root of a plant

NODULE Defined for Kids

nodule

noun nod·ule \ ˈnä-jül \

Definition of nodule for Students

: a small roundish lump or mass

Medical Dictionary

nodule

noun nod·ule \ ˈnäj-(ˌ)ü(ə)l \

medical Definition of nodule

: 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

Learn More about nodule

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for nodule Spanish Central: Translation of nodule Nglish: Translation of nodule for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of nodule for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nodule

Seen and Heard

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

show

nodule

Definition of nodule

Examples of nodule in a Sentence

Recent Examples of nodule from the Web

Origin and Etymology of nodule

nodule Synonyms

Synonyms

Related Words

NODULE Defined for English Language Learners

nodule

Definition of nodule for English Language Learners

NODULE Defined for Kids

nodule

Definition of nodule for Students

Medical Dictionary

nodule

medical Definition of nodule

Learn More about nodule

Seen and Heard

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games

The Fossil Encased in "Case In Point"

Trending: 'Venom' Trailer Drives Searches for 'Symbiote'

Going Greek: 7 Words from the Greek Alphabet

Odd Habits and Quirks Quiz

2017 Word of the Year: Behind the Scenes