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

Leo's cancer diagnosis was revealed last week after he was admitted to a Rome hospital for what was initially described as a surgery to remove a lung nodule. — Alex Sundby, CBS News, 21 Oct. 2026

Leo, 71, had surgery this month at Rome’s Gemelli Hospital to remove a lung nodule found during recent routine medical tests. — Marlene Lenthang, NBC news, 21 Oct. 2026

In about one-third of patients, lung cancer screenings also detect unrelated health issues, including the hardening of heart arteries or a nodule in another part of the body. — Angelica Stabile, FOXNews.com, 19 Oct. 2026

Margaritora, the chief thoracic surgeon at Rome's Gemelli hospital, also confirmed that the nodule was discovered by chance during routine abdominal examinations. — Arkansas Online, 18 Oct. 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