nodule

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noun nod·ule \ ˈnä-(ˌ)jül \

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)

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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

Other benefits may include detection of abnormalities like thyroid, pancreatic, or kidney nodules, as well as cardiac coronary disease.

— rohit kumar, m.d., Philly.com, "3 things to know about early detection tools for lung cancer," 7 Aug. 2017
There's a sense of closure despite how cringe-worthy that closure is — the swollen white head of the cyst, nodule, what-have-you, is being immediately taken care of.

— samantha brodsky, Good Housekeeping, "ATTENTION Pimple Popping Fiends: This Is the Grossest Video to Date," 3 Aug. 2017
Moglia missed Sun Belt Conference Media Day earlier this week following a medical procedure to remove a precancerous nodule from his throat.

— creg stephenson, AL.com, "Coastal Carolina football coach Joe Moglia to take medical leave of absence this season, report says," 28 July 2017
The virus must have wreaked damage, transforming a smooth, healthy liver into a leathery organ, mottled with nodules.

— carolyn y. johnson, chicagotribune.com, "High drug prices leave Louisiana considering asking for federal intervention," 3 July 2017
The virus must have wreaked damage, transforming a smooth, healthy liver into a leathery organ, mottled with nodules.

— the washington post, NOLA.com, "Louisiana considers radical step to counter high drug prices: Federal intervention," 3 July 2017
The FDA also lists granulomas (nodules that form around foreign material), keloids (excessive scarring), and removal problems as risks of permanent makeup.

— dr. manny alvarez, Fox News, "Is permanent makeup a safe alternative?," 3 July 2017
While size is a common guideline to decide on whether surgery is necessary, Harrell said the location of the nodule is also important.

— by marisol medina, miamiherald, "Thyroid cancer is on the rise, but there’s good news," 27 May 2017
When the showers are through, the rain roots are jettisoned but the nodules remain, poised to sprout anew.

— natalie angier, New York Times, "As Rains Ease in the West, Cactuses Shine Brighter Than Ever," 24 Apr. 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

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First Known Use: 15th century

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nodule Synonyms

Synonyms

knot, lump, node, bump, 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

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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

play

noun nod·ule \ ˈnä-jül \

Definition of nodule for Students

:a small roundish lump or mass

Medical Dictionary

nodule

play

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

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Examples of nodule in a Sentence

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Origin and Etymology of nodule

nodule Synonyms

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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

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