Knuckles: meaning, definitions and examples

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knuckles

[ˈnʌk.əlz ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

body part

The knuckles are the bony parts of your fingers where they join your hand. They are used in activities such as punching or knocking.

Synonyms

articulations, buckles, joints.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
knuckles	Refers to the joints where your fingers bend. Often used when describing actions involving the hands, like clenching or hitting. He showed me the scars on his knuckles She rapped her knuckles on the table to get our attention
joints	A versatile word that refers to the locations where two bones meet, can also refer to a place (like a bar), or even marijuana in slang. Mainly used for anatomy and informal references to places or substances. Pain in the knee joints is a common issue among the elderly We decided to meet at a local joint to catch up
buckles	Commonly refers to fastening devices, but in anatomy, it means bending or giving way under pressure, often used metaphorically. Her knees buckled under the stress The seatbelt buckles need to be checked for safety
articulations	Formal term typically used in medical or academic contexts to refer to the connections between bones, allowing movement. It can also mean the act of expressing something clearly and distinctly. The doctor examined the patient's articulations for any signs of arthritis Proper articulation of your words is important in public speaking

Examples of usage

He clenched his fists, his knuckles turning white with anger.
She rapped her knuckles sharply on the door.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

video game character

Knuckles is a red echidna character from the Sonic the Hedgehog video game series. He is known for his strength and ability to glide.

Synonyms

character, echidna, video game.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
knuckles	Refers to the character 'Knuckles the Echidna' from the 'Sonic the Hedgehog' video game series. Used in the context of video games or related pop culture. Knuckles is my favorite character to play in the Sonic games The new Sonic movie features Knuckles as a prominent character
character	Refers to a person or being in a story, book, movie, or game. It's used when discussing fiction or entertainment. Harry Potter is a famous character from J K Rowling's books The main character in the movie was quite relatable
echidna	A species of spiny anteaters native to Australia and New Guinea. Used when talking about animals or wildlife. The echidna lay quietly, hidden among the leaves We learned about the platypus and the echidna in our biology class
video game	A digital game played on various platforms such as consoles, computers, or smartphones. Used when discussing gaming or technology. He spends hours every day playing video games The video game industry has grown significantly over the years

Examples of usage

In Sonic & Knuckles, players can choose to play as either Sonic or Knuckles.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

informal term

In informal slang, 'knuckles' can refer to a fist bump or a gesture of solidarity and agreement.

Synonyms

agreement, fist bump, solidarity.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
knuckles	Refers to the joints of the fingers or the act of hitting someone with those joints. It is often used in contexts related to physical action or injury. He cracked his knuckles before starting his task. The boxer has injured his knuckles.
fist bump	A greeting or gesture of celebration where two people lightly touch fists. It is used in casual or friendly situations. They shared a fist bump after scoring the goal. A quick fist bump was exchanged as a sign of good luck.
solidarity	Means unity or agreement among individuals with a common interest. Often used in social and political contexts to show support for a cause. The workers showed solidarity during the strike. There was a sense of solidarity among the community members.
agreement	Expresses when two or more parties concur on a certain issue or plan. It is used in formal discussions or legal contexts. We reached an agreement after a long discussion. The contract was signed in mutual agreement.

Examples of usage

They greeted each other with a quick knuckles before starting the game.

Interesting Facts

Anatomy

Each knuckle is a joint where two bones meet, allowing your fingers to bend and straighten.
Humans have a total of 10 knuckles – 2 on each finger and 2 on each thumb.
The knuckles contain ligaments and tendons that help with finger movements.

Cultural Significance

In some cultures, a tight fist or raised knuckles can signify strength or readiness to fight.
Knuckles feature prominently in boxing and martial arts, where they are crucial for punching techniques.
Expressions like 'knuckle down' mean to work hard, referring to making a solid commitment like a fist.

Entertainment

In cartoons, characters are often exaggeratedly portrayed with large, exaggerated knuckles to hint at their toughness.
The term 'knuckle sandwich' humorously describes a punch to the face, often used in comedic contexts.
Knuckles the Echidna is a popular character from the video game series 'Sonic the Hedgehog', known for his strong fists.

Psychology

Studies suggest that body language, including the way we use our hands and knuckles, can influence social interactions.
Balling your fists may indicate frustration or anger, a common psychological response to stress.
Conversely, open palms can indicate friendliness, while clenched knuckles may signal aggression.

Sports

In sports like boxing and martial arts, the health and alignment of knuckles are critical for injury prevention.
Wearing hand wraps helps protect the knuckles during vigorous activities, showcasing their importance in athletic performance.
Knuckles also play a role in grip strength, which is important for athletes in various sports.

Translations

Translations of the word "knuckles" in other languages:

🇵🇹 articulações dos dedos

🇮🇳 गाँठ

🇩🇪 Knöchel

🇮🇩 buku jari

🇺🇦 суглоби пальців

🇵🇱 kostki

🇯🇵 指関節 (yubikansetsu)

🇫🇷 articulations des doigts

🇪🇸 nudillos

🇹🇷 parmak eklemleri

🇰🇷 손가락 관절 (songarak gwanjeol)

🇸🇦 مفاصل الأصابع

🇨🇿 klouby prstů

🇸🇰 kĺby prstov

🇨🇳 指关节 (zhǐ guānjié)

🇸🇮 sklepi prstov

🇮🇸 liðamót fingra

🇰🇿 саусақ буындары

🇬🇪 თითების სახსრები

🇦🇿 barmaq oynaqları

🇲🇽 nudillos

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,174, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
16171 retainer
16172 incompatibility
16173 obsessive
16174 knuckles
16175 friendliness
16176 dune
16177 renovated
...