nodular

The word "nodular" describes something that has nodes: small, rounded lumps or swellings. These are not always hard or solid; they can also be soft. The term comes from the Latin "nodus," meaning knot.

You'll most often encounter "nodular" in medical descriptions. A doctor might describe a nodular thyroid (meaning it has small lumps) or a nodular melanoma (a type of skin cancer that appears as bumpy growths). It's important to note that "nodular" simply describes the physical appearance—it doesn't necessarily indicate whether a growth is benign or malignant, but it usually warrants investigation by a medical professional.

However, "nodular" isn't limited to medicine. You can also use it in other fields. In botany, roots may be described as nodular if they have the small swellings often seen in legumes. In geology, "nodular" can describe rocks that contain rounded mineral masses or lumps, such as nodular limestone.

Think of the difference between smooth and nodular: smooth is even, while nodular suggests an uneven surface dotted with distinct protrusions. So, if something is characterized by small, knot-like lumps, you can confidently describe it as nodular!