Pronunciation: [nˈɒdjuːl] (IPA) 
Nodule is spelled with six letters, but the pronunciation is not as straightforward as it seems. It is pronounced /ˈnɑːdjuːl/ with the emphasis on the first syllable. The initial "n" sound is followed by an "a" and a "d" sound, and then a "y" sound. The final sound is a long "u," followed by an "l" sound. The word nodule refers to a small, rounded lump or mass, typically found on or in the body.
A nodule is a small, solid, and roundish lump or growth that forms underneath the skin or within the body's tissues. It is often characterized as a localized swelling that feels firmer or harder than the surrounding tissues. Nodules can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter and may be found in various parts of the body.
In dermatology, nodules are commonly seen in the skin as raised, solid bumps, often resulting from an accumulation of inflammatory cells or the growth of abnormal tissue. Skin nodules can be caused by various factors such as infection, trauma, or underlying medical conditions.
Within the medical field, nodules can also refer to abnormal growths that develop within organs or tissues in the body. For example, in the lungs, pulmonary nodules are small lesions that are often detected via imaging tests and may indicate the presence of infection, inflammation, or even cancer.
Nodules can sometimes be tender or painful, depending on their location and underlying cause. While nodules are generally benign, it is essential to have them evaluated by a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment, particularly when they are persistent, rapidly growing, or accompanied by other symptoms. Medical interventions for nodules can vary from watchful waiting to surgical removal, depending on the underlying cause and potential risks involved.
a small node
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Any irregular concretion of rocky matter collected around some central nucleus, as nodules of flint, ironstone, &c.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "nodule" originated from the Latin term "nodulus", which is a diminutive form of the noun "nodus", meaning "knot" or "knob". It entered English in the mid-17th century and originally referred to a small knot or swelling on a plant or animal. Over time, it came to be used in various fields such as geology, medicine, and botany to describe small roundish structures or growths.
