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Knuckle Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ‘Š
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knuckle

[หˆnสŒkษ™l ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

anatomy

A joint of a finger when the fist is closed.

Synonyms

joint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knuckle

Refers to the joints in your fingers where the bones meet. Commonly used in a more physical or anatomical context.

  • He cracked his knuckles before starting the test
  • The bruise on his knuckle was painful
joint

Generally refers to a point where two things are connected, in a broader sense beyond just anatomy. It can also be used informally to refer to a place, like a restaurant or bar.

  • The knee joint is one of the most important parts of the body
  • They decided to grab a bite at the corner joint

Examples of usage

  • She cracked her knuckles before starting to type.
  • He rapped his knuckles on the table to get her attention.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A hard part of the body, especially a bone in the hand.

Synonyms

bone, joint.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knuckle

Often used when describing the joints in your fingers, particularly where the fingers meet the hand. It can also refer to the act of hitting someone or something with the knuckles.

  • She cracked her knuckles before beginning to type.
  • He bruised his knuckle punching the wall.
bone

Used to talk about any of the pieces of hard, whitish tissue making up the skeleton in humans and other vertebrates. It is a general term.

  • He broke a bone in his arm during the fall.
  • Bones are essential for supporting the body's structure.
joint

Can refer to the location where two bones meet in the body, allowing for movement. It can also have various other meanings, including a place or establishment (informal), or a marijuana cigarette (slang, and potentially negative).

  • She felt pain in her knee joint whenever it rained.
  • Let's meet at that new joint downtown for dinner.
  • He was caught with a joint and faced legal trouble.

Examples of usage

  • He rapped his knuckles on the table to get her attention.
  • The boxer landed a punch right on his opponent's knuckles.
Context #3 | Verb

action

To hit or tap someone or something with the knuckles.

Synonyms

strike, tap.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
knuckle

Refers to the joints of the fingers, particularly when making a fist or when the joints are protruding. Can also be used metaphorically, often to describe a situation requiring toughness or resilience.

  • He cracked his knuckles before starting the task
  • It's time to knuckle down and finish the project
tap

Indicates a gentle or light touch, often to get someone's attention or to create a soft sound. Used in situations requiring subtlety or delicacy.

  • She tapped him on the shoulder to get his attention
  • I heard a tap on the window late at night
strike

Implies hitting something or someone with force, or the occurrence of a deliberate action to cause an impact. Often used in contexts involving deliberate physical or metaphorical actions.

  • The boxer aimed to strike his opponent with precision
  • Workers decided to strike for better working conditions

Examples of usage

  • He knuckled the door to signal that he was waiting outside.
  • She knuckled her brother playfully on the head.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

  • The knuckles consist of bones called metacarpals and phalanges, which help give our hands strength and flexibility.
  • When you make a fist, your knuckles stick out, showing the connections between your fingers and your handโ€™s strength.
  • Injury to the knuckles is common in sports, especially contact sports where the hands might get hit frequently.

Linguistic Origins

  • The word 'knuckle' comes from the Middle Dutch word 'knokkel,' meaning 'a joint or bone.'
  • It's been used in the English language since the 14th century, indicating its long-standing presence in culture.
  • Variations of the word appear in different languages, like 'nuckle' in German, indicating similar anatomical references.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the term 'knuckle down' means to start working hard, reflecting the idea of putting your hands to good use.
  • โ€˜Knuckle sandwichesโ€™ refers to a punch, symbolizing the fierce representation of strength associated with the knuckles.
  • In martial arts and boxing, the formation of a fist with knuckles protruding is essential for safe striking.

Idiomatic Expressions

  • Expressions like 'bite your knuckles' denote worry or anxiety, showing how body language often reflects emotions.
  • โ€˜To knuckle underโ€™ means to give in or submit, demonstrating how the word has evolved into common usage beyond physicality.
  • The phrase 'white knuckle' describes a grip of fear or stress, showing how knuckles can indicate emotional states.

Origin of 'knuckle'

The word 'knuckle' originated from the Middle English word 'knokel', which in turn came from the Old English word 'cnucel'. The original meaning was 'the round prominence at the joint of a finger'. Over time, the word evolved to refer to the joints themselves, particularly in the fingers. The verb form 'knuckle' likely came from the action of knocking on a surface with the knuckles. The word has been in use for centuries to describe these hand-related anatomical features and actions.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,420, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.