Word: Knot

Pronunciation

/knot/

Definitions

• Noun:

  • A tight intertwining or looping of a rope, string, or other flexible material to fasten, bind, or secure objects together, or to form a loop that will not slip. Example: “The sailor tied a sturdy knot to secure the anchor.”
  • In mathematics, a knot refers to a closed loop in three-dimensional space which cannot be untangled without cutting it. Example: “Topologists study various types of knots.”
  • In measurement, a unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour. Example: “The ship sailed at a speed of ten knots.”
  • A hard, often painful swelling or constriction in a bodily part, especially in a muscle or tissue. Example: “She had a painful knot in her neck from sleeping awkwardly.”

• Verb:

  • To tie or fasten with a knot. Example: “She knotted the laces on her running shoes tightly.”
  • To become tangled or twisted together forming a knot. Example: “The headphone cords inevitably knot themselves up in my pocket.”

Phrases

• “Tie the knot” refers to getting married or engaged.
• “Untie the knot” means to solve a difficult problem or loosen a tightly bound object.
• “In knots” is an idiomatic expression meaning to be extremely anxious or nervous. Example: “Her stomach was in knots before the big presentation.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Learning how to tie different sailing knots was essential for the voyage.”
• Verb: “She knotted the ends of the ribbon to create a bow.”

Synonyms

• Tie
• Loop
• Bind
• Twist
• Fasten
• Lashing (in context of tying ropes)
• Nodule (in the medical context)