knuckle

The definition of knuckle is a joint at the hand or toe that sticks out when you make a fist.

(noun)

The joint in the middle of your finger that sticks forward when you make a fist is an example of the knuckle.

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See knuckle in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

    1. a joint of the finger; esp., the joint connecting a finger to the rest of the hand
    2. the rounded knob formed by the bones at such a joint
  1. the knee or hock joint and nearby parts of a pig or other animal, used as food
  2. something resembling a knuckle, as any of the projecting, cylindrical parts through which a pin is passed to form a hinge
  3. ☆ brass knuckles
  4. Archit. the central joint in a gambrel or curb roof

Origin: ME knokyl < or akin to MDu & MLowG knokel, dim. of knoke, bone < IE *gneuĝ-: for IE base see knot

transitive verb knuckled, knuckling

to strike, press, or touch with the knuckles

See knuckle in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. a. The prominence of the dorsal aspect of a joint of a finger, especially of one of the joints connecting the fingers to the hand.
    b. A rounded protuberance formed by the bones in a joint.
  2. A cut of meat centering on the carpal or tarsal joint, as of a pig.
  3. The part of a hinge through which the pin passes.
  4. A sharp angle formed by the meeting of two surfaces, especially two ship's timbers.
  5. knuckles Brass knuckles.
transitive verb knuck·led, knuck·ling, knuck·les
  1. To press, rub, or hit with the knuckles.
  2. To shoot (a marble) with the thumb over the bent forefinger.
Phrasal Verbs: knuckle down To apply oneself earnestly to a task. knuckle under To yield to pressure; give in.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English knokel

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