: having numerous or conspicuous protuberances

nodosity

2 of 2

noun

plural -es
1
: the quality or state of being nodose
2
: protuberance, swelling, node
a surface dotted with nodosities

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

Latin nodosus, from nodus

Noun

French or Italian or Late Latin; French nodosité & Italian nodosita, from Late Latin nodositat-, nodositas knottiness, from Latin nodosus knotty + -itat-, -itas -ity

First Known Use

Adjective

1687, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of nodose was in 1687

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Cite this Entry

“Nodose.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nodose. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

Medical Definition

: having numerous or conspicuous protuberances

More from Merriam-Webster on nodose

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