I. ˈnərl, esp before pause or consonant ˈnər.əl; ˈnə̄l, ˈnəil noun
( -s )
Etymology: probably blend of knur and gnarl
1.
a.
(1) : a small protuberance, excrescence, or knob
(2) : a small ridge or bead ; especially : one of a series of small ridges or beads used on a usually metal surface (as of a thumbscrew) as a means of ensuring a firm grip or as a decorative feature
b. : a contorted knot in wood
2.
a. chiefly Scotland : a short thickset person ; especially : dwarf
b. Scotland : a tangled mass (as of hair) : snarl
3. : a tool for knurling
II. transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-s )
: to provide (as a thumbscrew) with small ridges or beading (as for ensuring a firm grip) : make knurls on : mill