nodule

(näj′o̵̅o̅l)

noun

a small knot or irregular, rounded lump
Anat. a small node
Bot. a small knot or joint on a stem or root, esp. one containing nitrogen-fixing bacteria
Geol.
1. a small, hard lump or mass of a mineral or rock that is embedded in a larger rock
2. a usually small, roundish lump or mass of manganese, cobalt, etc. found on the floor of the sea or large lake

Origin: L nodulus, dim. of nodus, a knot: see net

Related Forms:

See nodule in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

A small knotlike protuberance.
Anatomy A small mass of tissue or aggregation of cells.
Botany A small knoblike outgrowth, as those found on the roots of many leguminous plants.
Mineralogy A small rounded lump of a mineral or mixture of minerals, usually harder than the surrounding rock or sediment.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Latin nōdulus

Origin: , diminutive of nōdus, knot; see ned- in Indo-European roots

Related Forms: