First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1knuckle
noun knuck·le \ˈnə-kəl\
: any one of the thick, bony parts (called joints) in your fingers
: a piece of meat that includes a joint from the leg of an animal
Full Definition of KNUCKLE
1
a : the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint —used especially of those at the joints of the fingers b : the joint of a knuckle
2
: a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal joint with the adjoining flesh
3
: something resembling a knuckle: as a (1) : one of the joining parts of a hinge through which a pin or rivet passes (2) : knuckle joint b : the meeting of two surfaces at a sharp angle (as in a roof) c : a pivotal point
4
plural : a set of metal finger rings or guards attached to a transverse piece and worn over the front of the doubled fist for use as a weapon —called also brass knuckles
— knuck·led adjective
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Origin of KNUCKLE
Middle English knokel; akin to Middle High German knöchel knuckle
Other Anatomy Terms
2knuckle
verb
knuck·ledknuck·ling \ˈnə-k(ə-)liŋ\
Definition of KNUCKLE
intransitive verb
: to place the knuckles on the ground in shooting a marble
transitive verb
: to press or rub with the knuckles
See knuckle defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of KNUCKLE
1740
KNUCKLING Defined for Kids
knuckle
noun knuck·le \ˈnə-kəl\
Definition of KNUCKLE for Kids
: the rounded lump formed by the ends of two bones (as of a finger) where they come together in a joint
Medical Dictionary
knuckle
noun knuck·le \ˈnək-əl\
Medical Definition of KNUCKLE
1
a : the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint—used especially of those at the joints of the fingers b : the joint of a knuckle
2
: a sharply flexed loop of intestines incarcerated in a hernia
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