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 of nodule

• 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 disease increasingly impacts non-smoking women, and current screening methods often detect small lung nodules that lack precise, minimally invasive treatment options. — Geri Stengel, Forbes.com, 21 Aug. 2026

The former president is continuing treatment for an aggressive form of prostate cancer that was diagnosed in May 2025 after doctors discovered a prostate nodule. — Anthony Thompson, USA Today, 21 Aug. 2026

As a bonus, the Citi analyst likes the recent increase in nodule price increase out of the European Union. — Brian Sullivan, CNBC, 30 July 2026

Autonomous ocean mining The Eureka Collection System is an autonomous underwater mining platform designed to selectively harvest polymetallic nodules from the deep ocean while minimizing environmental impact. — Jijo Malayil, Interesting Engineering, 15 July 2026

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