nodule

noun

nod·​ule ˈnä-(ˌ)jül How to pronounce nodule (audio)
: 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)

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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Then, last year, Sweetman had a fresh idea: The nodules, pursued for batteries, could be acting like batteries themselves, if metal ions in layers within the nodules created small amounts of charge. Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 18 Sep. 2024 Once the animals died and became buried in layers of sediment over time, some of them became entombed in a mineral known as siderite, which solidified and formed a nodule around the remains. Ashley Strickland, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024 The technology has already proven valuable when screening for breast cancer in mammograms and identifying lung nodules in chest X-rays. Roman Smagulov, Forbes, 14 Oct. 2024 Although the paper claims that voltages in the nodules reached as high as 0.95 volts, that figure represents a brief blip measured on one nodule. Bypaul Voosen, science.org, 18 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for nodule 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin nodulus, diminutive of nodus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nodule was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near nodule

Cite this Entry

“Nodule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nodule. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

nodule

noun
nod·​ule ˈnäj-(ˌ)ü(ə)l How to pronounce nodule (audio)
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 How to pronounce nodule (audio)
: 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

More from Merriam-Webster on nodule

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