node

noun \ˈnōd\

: a small lump or mass of tissue in your body

: the small round part on the stem of a plant where a leaf grows

: a place where lines in a network cross or meet

Full Definition of NODE

a : a pathological swelling or enlargement (as of a rheumatic joint)

b : a discrete mass of one kind of tissue enclosed in tissue of a different kind

: an entangling complication (as in a drama) : predicament

: either of the two points where the orbit of a planet or comet intersects the ecliptic; also : either of the points at which the orbit of an earth satellite crosses the plane of the equator

a : a point, line, or surface of a vibrating body or system that is free or relatively free from vibratory motion

b : a point at which a wave has an amplitude of zero

a : a point at which subsidiary parts originate or center

b : a point on a stem at which a leaf or leaves are inserted

c : a point at which a curve intersects itself in such a manner that the branches have different tangents

d : vertex 1b

See node defined for English-language learners

See node defined for kids

Origin of NODE

Middle English, from Latin nodus knot, node; akin to Middle Irish naidm bond

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to NODE

Synonyms: knot, lump, bump, nodule, swelling

Rhymes with NODE

bode, bowed, code, goad, load, lode, mode, ode, road, rode, toad, toed, woad

NODE Defined for Kids

node

noun \ˈnōd\

Definition of NODE for Kids

: a thickened spot or part (as of a plant stem where a leaf develops)

Medical Dictionary

node

noun \ˈnōd\

Medical Definition of NODE

a : a pathological swelling or enlargement (as of a rheumatic joint) b : a body part resembling a knot; especially : a discrete mass of one kind of tissue enclosed in tissue of a different kind—see atrioventricular node, lymph node

: a point, line, or surface of a vibrating body that is free or relatively free of vibratory motion