Nodules
/ˈnɒd.juːlz/noun
Small rounded lumps or compact masses, especially in tissue, plants, or minerals.
Did you know?The medical sense developed from the older physical image of a hard knot or swelling, showing how ancient bodily metaphors still shape modern scientific language.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
nodus
“A knot, knot-like swelling, or entanglement”
Classical Latin
Latin
nodulus
“A small knot; diminutive of nodus”
16th Century
Middle French
nodule
“A small knot or rounded swelling”
17th Century
English
nodule
“A small rounded lump, especially in a mineral or the body”
Modern English
English
nodules
“Plural of nodule: small rounded lumps or compact masses”