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Knuckles Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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?

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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?

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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?

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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.

Translations

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

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.

Origin of 'knuckles'

The term 'knuckles' originated from the Old English word 'cnucel' which meant 'a bone at the joints of the fingers.' Over time, it evolved to refer specifically to the bony parts of the fingers where they join the hand. The use of 'knuckles' in slang and informal contexts has developed more recently, with references to fist bumps and gestures of solidarity.

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.