[node] n [ME, fr. L nodus knot, node; akin to MIr naidm bond] (15c) 1 a: a pathological swelling or enlargement (as of a rheumatic joint) b: a discrete mass of one kind of tissue enclosed in tissue of a different kind
2: an entangling complication (as in a drama): predicament
3: either of the two points where the orbit of a planet or comet intersects the ecliptic; also: either of the points at which the orbit of an earth satellite crosses the plane of the equator
4. a: a point, line, or surface of a vibrating body or system that is free or relatively free from vibratory motion b: a point at which a wave has an amplitude of zero
5. a: a point at which subsidiary parts originate or center b: a point on a stem at which a leaf or leaves are inserted c: a point at which a curve intersects itself in such a manner that the branches have different tangents d: vertex 1b