nodule

noun

nod·​ule ˈnä-(ˌ)jül How to pronounce nodule (audio)
: 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)

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 Mining contractors have tested robots that vacuum up the nodules, which are a habitat for deep ocean animals. Todd Woody, Fortune Europe, 13 Jan. 2024 The iron was remarkably pure, at about 98 percent of the material by weight in the nodules being iron. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 24 Jan. 2024 Deep-sea mining decisions were delayed The deep sea contains valuable metals such as nickel, cobalt, manganese and copper in potato-sized rocks called nodules. Naomi Greenberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 29 Dec. 2023 But genetically programming cereals to grow nodules could be even more complicated than programming them to generate nitrogenase. Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 6 Feb. 2024 Common Pests & Plant Diseases If there are concave yellow spots on the leaf surfaces, white, cotton-like patches on the leaf backs, or pink nodules on the branches, it is likely caused by scale insects. Steve Bender, Southern Living, 28 Jan. 2024 The digital rectal exam can detect nodules that could indicate prostate cancer. Daniel Gonzalez, The Arizona Republic, 14 Jan. 2024 Isotretinoin treats severe acne, such as cysts and nodules that are often large and painful. Madeleine Burry, Health, 19 Aug. 2023 Acne is a skin condition usually consisting of blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, or acne cysts and nodules (painful acne). Bella Gerard, Health, 26 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'nodule.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin nodulus, diminutive of nodus

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nodule was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near nodule

Cite this Entry

“Nodule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nodule. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

nodule

noun
nod·​ule ˈnäj-(ˌ)ü(ə)l How to pronounce nodule (audio)
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 How to pronounce nodule (audio)
: 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

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