1
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
2
: an entangling complication (as in a drama) : predicament
3
: 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
4
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
5
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
Cite this Entry
“Node.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/node. Accessed 6 Aug. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
