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)
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
Plants That Benefit From Being Planted With Beans With the help of bacteria that grow in nodules on their roots, bean plants and their relatives enrich the soil by fixing nitrogen from the air into a form usable by plants.
—
Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Polymetallic nodules, which contain valuable minerals, are found in various regions of the deep seafloor.
—Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The liver develops nodules (growths), and scar tissue persists, leading to necrosis and cellular death.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Dec. 2024
Her symptoms were pretty challenging—a series of painful nodules that needed to be lanced and drained.
—Julia Ries, SELF, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for nodule
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Kim Toscano, Southern Living, 4 Apr. 2025
Polymetallic nodules, which contain valuable minerals, are found in various regions of the deep seafloor.
—Jennifer Kite-Powell, Forbes, 28 Feb. 2025
The liver develops nodules (growths), and scar tissue persists, leading to necrosis and cellular death.
—Mark Gurarie, Health, 13 Dec. 2024
Her symptoms were pretty challenging—a series of painful nodules that needed to be lanced and drained.
—Julia Ries, SELF, 12 Dec. 2024
See All Example Sentences for nodule
Cite this Entry
“Nodule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nodule. Accessed 21 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids 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
adjective
ˈnäj-ə-lər
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
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