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

• bump
• knot
• lump
• node
• swelling

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

Instead of trying to overhaul the entire diagnostic process with AI, the hospital focuses on using AI to assist radiologists in detecting early signs of specific conditions like breast cancer or lung nodules. —Ravi Tenneti, Forbes, 9 Sep. 2024

The nodules themselves form over millions of years when metals suspended in seawater collect around assorted fragments of material on the seabed. —Julia Jacobo, ABC News, 23 July 2024

Most of the fossils are entombed in ironstone nodules. —Jack Tamisiea, New York Times, 14 July 2024

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

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin nodulus, diminutive of nodus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

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