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
This 2020 animation demonstrates how a collector vehicle launched from a ship during deep-sea mining would travel 15,000 feet below sea level to collect polymetallic nodules containing essential minerals.
—
Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
The robots would use mechanical arms to pluck nodules that have no visible life on them.
—Daniel Ackerman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2025
The company is focused on collecting and processing polymetallic nodules containing nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese, which are critical for energy infrastructure and industrial manufacturing.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2025
Later trials revealed some minor side effects, like redness, body aches and, in rare cases, painful nodules at the injection site.
—Teddy Rosenbluth, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nodule
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Ian Urbina, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2025
The robots would use mechanical arms to pluck nodules that have no visible life on them.
—Daniel Ackerman, NPR, 27 Mar. 2025
The company is focused on collecting and processing polymetallic nodules containing nickel, copper, cobalt, and manganese, which are critical for energy infrastructure and industrial manufacturing.
—Quartz Intelligence Newsroom, Quartz, 27 Mar. 2025
Later trials revealed some minor side effects, like redness, body aches and, in rare cases, painful nodules at the injection site.
—Teddy Rosenbluth, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2025
See All Example Sentences for nodule
Cite this Entry
“Nodule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nodule. Accessed 4 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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