KNUCKLE


Meaning of KNUCKLE in English

I. ˈnə-kəl noun

Etymology: Middle English knokel; akin to Middle High German knöchel knuckle

Date: 14th century

1.

a. : the rounded prominence formed by the ends of the two adjacent bones at a joint — used especially of those at the joints of the fingers

b. : the joint of a knuckle

2. : a cut of meat consisting of the tarsal or carpal joint with the adjoining flesh

3. : something resembling a knuckle: as

a.

(1) : one of the joining parts of a hinge through which a pin or rivet passes

(2) : knuckle joint

b. : the meeting of two surfaces at a sharp angle (as in a roof)

c. : a pivotal point

4. plural : a set of metal finger rings or guards attached to a transverse piece and worn over the front of the doubled fist for use as a weapon — called also brass knuckles

• knuck·led adjective

II. verb

( knuck·led ; knuck·ling ˈnə-k(ə-)liŋ)

Date: 1740

intransitive verb

: to place the knuckles on the ground in shooting a marble

transitive verb

: to press or rub with the knuckles

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.