nodule

[ noj-ool ]
/ ˈnɒdʒ ul /

noun

a small node, knot, or knob.
a small, rounded mass or lump.
Botany. a tubercle.

Origin of nodule

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

Example sentences from the Web for nodule

British Dictionary definitions for nodule

nodule
/ (ˈnɒdjuːl) /

noun

a small knot, lump, or node
Also called: root nodule any of the knoblike outgrowths on the roots of clover and many other legumes: contain bacteria involved in nitrogen fixation
anatomy any small node or knoblike protuberance
a small rounded lump of rock or mineral substance, esp in a matrix of different rock material

Derived forms of nodule

nodular, nodulose or nodulous, adjective

Word Origin for nodule

C17: from Latin nōdulus, from nōdus knot

Medical definitions for nodule

nodule
[ nŏjōōl ]

n.

A small node.
A small mass of tissue or aggregation of cells.

Other words from nodule

nodu•lar (nŏjə-lər) null null adj.

Scientific definitions for nodule

nodule
[ nŏjōōl ]

A small, usually hard mass of tissue in the body.
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. See more at legume.
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.