Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Computer Science) A computer connected to a network: A device or point within a computer network that can send, receive, or forward data.
   • (Anatomy) A bulge or swelling: A small, usually firm, mass or lump in an anatomical structure.
   • (Immunology) The source of lymph and lymphocytes: A small, organized collection of lymphoid tissue, such as a lymph node.
   • (Astronomy) A point where an orbit crosses a plane: One of the two points at which the path of an orbiting body intersects a reference plane, such as the plane of the celestial equator.
   • (Physics) A point of minimum displacement: In a standing wave system, a point that remains stationary with zero amplitude.
   • (Botany) A small swelling on a plant stem: The part of a stem from which one or more leaves, branches, or buds emerge.
   • Any thickened enlargement: A general term for a knot-like swelling or protuberance.
   • A connecting point where lines meet: A point at which several pathways, lines, or links intersect or converge.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • Each node on the network must have a unique IP address.
  • The doctor felt a swollen lymph node in the patient's neck.
  • The ascending node is where the planet's orbit crosses the ecliptic plane moving north.
  • In this demonstration, you can see the wave's node where the string does not move.
  • New branches grow from the nodes of the stem.
  • The railway system is designed with major nodes at the intersection of key lines.

Advanced Usage

• "Leaf node": In data structures (like trees), a node that has no children.

  • In the binary tree, the algorithm stops when it reaches a leaf node.

• "Saddle node": In mathematics and dynamical systems, a type of bifurcation point.

  • The system's stability changes at the saddle node bifurcation.

Variants and Related Words

• Nodal (adj): Relating to or of the nature of a node.

  • The nodal point of the network is its most critical connection.

• Internode (n): The part of a plant stem between two successive nodes.

  • The bamboo's long internodes give it its characteristic appearance.

Synonyms

• Junction: A point where things, especially roads or railways, meet.
• Knot: A fastening made by tying a piece of string, rope, or something similar; also used for a node in a plant stem.
• Intersection: A point or line common to lines or surfaces that intersect.

Related Phrases

• "Node of Ranvier": (Anatomy) A gap in the myelin sheath of a nerve fiber, crucial for the rapid conduction of nerve impulses.

  • The action potential jumps from one node of Ranvier to the next.

• "Sentinel node": (Medicine) The first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor.

  • A sentinel node biopsy is performed to check for the spread of cancer.

Noun

1. (computer science) any computer that is hooked up to a computer network
2. any bulge or swelling of an anatomical structure or part
3. the source of lymph and lymphocytes
4. (astronomy) a point where an orbit crosses a plane
5. (physics) the point of minimum displacement in a periodic system
6. (botany) the small swelling that is the part of a plant stem from which one or more leaves emerge
7. any thickened enlargement
8. a connecting point at which several lines come together