Knuckle

Pronunciation

• Rhymes: -ÊŒkÉ™l

Origin

From Middle English knokel ("finger joint"), ultimately from a diminutive of Proto-Germanic root *knuck- "bone". Cognate with Dutch knokkel ("knuckle").

Full definition of knuckle

Noun

1. Any of the joints between the phalanges of the fingers.
2. (by extension) A mechanical joint.
3. A cut of meat.
4. (sports, billiards, snooker, pool) The curved part of the cushion at the entrance to the pockets on a cue sports table.
5. The kneejoint of a quadruped, especially of a calf; formerly used of the kneejoint of a human being.
• GoldingWith weary knuckles on thy brim she kneeled sadly down.
6. (obsolete) The joint of a plant.
7. (shipbuilding) A convex portion of a vessel's figure where a sudden change of shape occurs, as in a canal boat, where a nearly vertical side joins a nearly flat bottom.
8. A contrivance, usually of brass or iron, and furnished with points, worn to protect the hand, to add force to a blow, and to disfigure the person struck; a knuckle duster.brass knuckles

Derived terms

Verb

1. To apply pressure, or rub or massage with one's knuckles.He knuckled the sleep from his eyes.