nodule

American  

[noj-ool] / ˈnɒdʒ ul /

noun

1. a small node, knot, or knob.

2. a small, rounded mass or lump.

3. Botany. a tubercle.

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nodule British  

/ ˈnɒdjuːl /

noun

1. a small knot, lump, or node

2. Also called: root nodule.  any of the knoblike outgrowths on the roots of clover and many other legumes: contain bacteria involved in nitrogen fixation

3. anatomy any small node or knoblike protuberance

4. a small rounded lump of rock or mineral substance, esp in a matrix of different rock material

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nodule Scientific  

/ nŏj′o̅o̅l /

1. A small, usually hard mass of tissue in the body.

2. A small, knoblike outgrowth found on the roots of many legumes, such as alfalfa, beans, and peas. Nodules grow after the roots have been infected with nitrogen-fixing bacteria of the genus Rhizobium.

3. See more at legume

4. A small, rounded lump of a mineral or mixture of minerals that is distinct from and usually harder than the surrounding rock or sediment. Nodules often form by replacement of a small part of the rocks in which they form.

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Other Word Forms

• nodular
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of nodule

1590–1600; < Latin nōdulus a little knot, equivalent to nōd ( us ) node + -ulus -ule

Explanation

A nodule is a small, raised bump under the skin. You might notice a nodule on the top of your foot after spraining your ankle. Any solid bump or node that you can feel just beneath your skin is a nodule. You may have noticed nodules in your neck when you have a sore throat or a nodule on your shin where you bumped it into the coffee table. Another kind of nodule is very similar, but appears on a plant's surface. The Latin root word is nodulus, "small knot," from nodus, or "knot."

Example Sentences

Thanks to Shacfan, goodengine, Nodule and mald2 for the rest of the week's chosen suggestions.

From The Guardian • Apr. 7, 2010

Related Words

• growth
• knot
• node