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node

n.
US //ˈnoʊd// UK //nˈəʊd// node
  1. 1 computing/networks (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Computing

    a device, like a computer or printer, that is connected to a larger network.

    any device or terminal connected to a network that can receive, create, or transmit data.

    Example

    Each node in the office network must have its own security software installed.

    Example

    The network administrator identified a faulty node that was causing significant latency across the entire local area network.
  2. 2 data structures (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Computing

    a single point or piece of information in a digital map or tree structure.

    a fundamental unit of a data structure, such as a linked list or tree, containing data and references to other units.

    Example

    The program searches through each node of the family tree to find a match.

    Example

    The algorithm efficiently traverses the binary tree by visiting each node and evaluating its child references.
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  1. 3 botany (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    the part of a plant stem where a leaf or a new branch grows.

    the specific point on a plant stem from which one or more leaves, branches, or aerial roots emerge.

    Example

    Make sure to cut the plant just below the node to help it grow new roots.

    Example

    The distance between each node on the vine increased significantly once the plant was moved into a brighter environment.
    • internode
  2. 4 physics/waves (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a point on a vibrating string or wave where there is no movement at all.

    a point along a standing wave where the wave has minimum amplitude or zero displacement.

    Example

    If you touch a vibrating guitar string at a node, the sound changes but the string stays still at that spot.

    Example

    In a standing wave pattern, the nodes remain stationary while the antinodes reach maximum displacement.
    • stationary point
    • antinode
  3. 5 medicine/anatomy (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

    a small, rounded mass of tissue in the body, like a lymph node.

    a small, distinct structural swelling or mass of differentiated tissue in the body.

    Example

    The doctor checked the nodes in my neck to see if I had an infection.

    Example

    The biopsy revealed that the node was benign, much to the relief of the patient and the surgical team.
  4. 6 astronomy (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Science

    the point where the path of a planet crosses the path of the sun.

    either of the two points where the orbit of a celestial body intersects the ecliptic or another reference plane.

    Example

    An eclipse can only happen when the moon is near a node in its orbit.

    Example

    The calculation of the ascending node is essential for determining the precise orbital elements of a newly discovered comet.
Origin

From Middle English node, borrowed from Latin nōdus. Doublet of knot, knout, and nodus.

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