Dictionary
1knot
noun \ˈnät\
Definition of KNOT
1
a : an interlacement of the parts of one or more flexible bodies forming a lump or knob (as for fastening or tying together) b : the lump or knob so formed c : a tight constriction or the sense of constriction <my stomach was all in knots>
2
: something hard to solve : problem <a matter full of legal knots>
3
: a bond of union; especially : the marriage bond
4
a : a protuberant lump or swelling in tissue <a knot in a gland> b : the base of a woody branch enclosed in the stem from which it arises; also : its section in lumber
5
: a cluster of persons or things : group
6
: an ornamental bow of ribbon : cockade
7
a : a division of the log's line serving to measure a ship's speed b (1) : one nautical mile per hour (2) : one nautical mile —not used technically
8
: a closed curve in three-dimensional space
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Origin of KNOT
Middle English, from Old English cnotta; akin to Old High German knoto knot
First Known Use: before 12th century
2knot
verb
: to tie a section of rope, string, fabric, etc., to itself or to something else so that a knot forms : to make a knot in (something); also : to connect (two or more parts or things) with a knot
: to develop a painful or uncomfortable feeling of tightness
: to make (the score of a game or contest) equal
knot·tedknot·ting
Full Definition of KNOT
transitive verb
1
: to tie in or with a knot : form knots in
2
: to unite closely or intricately : entangle
3
: tie 4b <knotted the score>
intransitive verb
: to form knots
— knot·ter noun
See knot defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of KNOT
1547
Related to KNOT
- Synonyms
- interlace, intertwine, intertwist, interweave, entangle, snarl, tangle
- Antonyms
- disentangle, unsnarl, untangle, untwine, untwist
3knot
noun
plural knots or knot
Definition of KNOT
: either of two sandpipers (Calidris canutus and C. tenuirostris) that breed in the Arctic and winter in temperate or warm parts of the New and Old World
Origin of KNOT
Middle English knott
First Known Use: 15th century
KNOT Defined for Kids
1knot
noun \ˈnät\
Definition of KNOT for Kids
1
: a section of rope or string that has been tied together to form a lump or knob or to keep something secure
2
: 2tangle 1 <Comb the knots out of your hair.>
3
: a painful or uncomfortable area in a body part <I had knots in my stomach.>
4
: a cluster of persons or things <Down the table, the … ladies drew into a knot, to confer. — Richard Peck, A Year Down Yonder>
5
: the inner end of a woody branch enclosed in a plant stem or a section of this in sawed lumber
6
: one nautical mile per hour (about two kilometers per hour)
2knot
verb
knot·tedknot·ting
Definition of KNOT for Kids
1
: to tie together in a way that cannot be easily untied <I knotted my shoelaces.>
2
: to become tense or tight <My stomach knotted while I waited for the dentist.>
Medical Dictionary
knot
noun \ˈnät\
Medical Definition of KNOT
1
: an interlacing of the parts of one or more flexible bodies (as threads or sutures) in a lump to prevent their spontaneous separation—see surgeon's knot
2
: a usually firm or hard lump, swelling, or protuberance in or on a part of the body or a bone or process <a knot in a gland> <a bone with two or three knots>—compare surfer's knot
—knot verb, knot·ted knot·ting
Learn More About KNOT
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