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

Nurse Loveth instructed me to massage my face five times a day for five days to evenly distribute the Sculptra and prevent any nodules from forming. —Essence, 2 Sep. 2025

In approximately 5-10% of cases, the infection may progress to a chronic pulmonary form, causing persistent pneumonia-like symptoms, with the development of lung nodules that may be seen on chest X-ray. —Matthew Binnicker, Forbes.com, 20 Aug. 2025

On Earth, similar nodule textures can form through chemical weathering, mineral precipitation or even volcanic processes. —Daisy Dobrijevic, Space.com, 13 Aug. 2025

Edward Herman from the Cook Islands' Seabed Minerals Authority holding polymetallic nodules, misshapen black globes encrusted with cobalt, nickel, manganese and other coveted metals, on June 12, 2025. —Hugh Cameron john Feng, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Aug. 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