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

Appearance: Erythema nodosum typically appears as a rash of multiple red or darker-than-skin-color nodules (bumps on the skin) on the shin area. —Cristina Mutchler, Health, 6 Mar. 2025

Technologies to mine the deep sea include harvesters that crawl along the ocean floor and collect polymetallic nodules; vertical risers, which are long pipes that transport the nodules from the seafloor to mining vessels and surface support vessels; and ships that process and store the nodules. —Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025

Oxygen in the ocean A new study published in the journal Nature Geoscience found evidence of oxygen production near polymetallic nodules located deep in the ocean. —Devika Rao, theweek, 6 Aug. 2024

Screenings for unrelated conditions can pick up thyroid nodules that are technically cancerous but asymptomatic or clinically insignificant. —Jenna Anderson, Health, 25 Feb. 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