What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
nodule
Example
The doctor found a nodule on my thyroid gland during the examination. [nodule: noun]
Example
The nodule on my finger was painful and red. [nodule: noun]
lump
Example
The lump on my neck was diagnosed as a swollen lymph node. [lump: noun]
Example
I felt a lump in my breast and immediately went to see the doctor. [lump: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Lump is more commonly used than nodule in everyday language. Lump is a broader term that covers a wider range of sizes and shapes, while nodule is more specific and refers to a small, solid, and rounded growth.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between nodule and lump?
Both nodule and lump are formal terms used in medical contexts. However, lump is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, while nodule is less common and may be more appropriate in formal settings.