a-v node
C1Technical, formal, academic
Definition
Meaning
A point in a network or structure where lines, paths, or connections intersect or branch out; a central or connecting point.
In computing, a device or data point on a network; in anatomy, a small mass of tissue; in mathematics, a point at which a curve intersects itself; a point of rest or significance in a system.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a point of connection, intersection, or branching within a larger system. Often used metaphorically to describe pivotal points in abstract networks (e.g., social networks, conceptual frameworks).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical across regions in technical contexts. In general language, 'node' might be slightly more common in UK scientific writing.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
High frequency in STEM fields; low frequency in everyday conversation.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N + of + N (node of the network)Adj + N (central node)V + N (create a node)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A node of resistance”
- “At the nodal point”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to key points in supply chains or communication networks (e.g., 'The Singapore office acts as a major node for Asian operations').
Academic
Used in graph theory, network analysis, biology, and physics (e.g., 'The study focused on nodes within the social network').
Everyday
Rare in casual speech; might be used when discussing internet routers or medical issues (e.g., 'The doctor checked my lymph nodes').
Technical
Fundamental term in computer networking, data structures, and systems engineering (e.g., 'Each node in the blockchain validates transactions').
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The railway network's key node is at Crewe.
- Swollen lymph nodes can indicate infection.
- The decision tree branches at each internal node.
American English
- The data center added another node to the cluster.
- She had a biopsy on a node in her neck.
- In the graph, each node represents a user.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The internet signal passes through many nodes.
- My doctor felt a small node under my jaw.
- The algorithm identifies the most influential nodes in the social network.
- The neural network consists of layers of interconnected nodes.
- The failure of a single critical node could cascade through the entire power grid.
- These philosophical ideas converge at a nodal point in his later work.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a KNOt on a rope where other strings tie in—a 'node' is a similar point of connection.
Conceptual Metaphor
NETWORKS ARE BODIES (with nodes as joints or organs); SYSTEMS ARE SPIDERWEBS (with nodes as connecting points).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не путать с 'узел' в смысле морского узла (knot).
- В IT контексте — именно 'узел', а не 'нода' (англицизм).
Common Mistakes
- Using 'note' instead of 'node' in writing.
- Pronouncing it /nɒd/ (like 'nod') instead of /noʊd/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'node' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily yes, but it has entered general use through computing and medicine (e.g., 'lymph node').
A 'node' is any connection point in a network. A 'hub' is a specific type of node that is central and connects to many others, often actively distributing data.
Very rarely in highly specialized technical jargon (e.g., 'to node a network'). It is overwhelmingly used as a noun.
It rhymes with 'code' or 'load'. The common error is pronouncing it like the verb 'nod' (/nɒd/). The correct pronunciation has a long 'o' sound (/noʊd/ in US, /nəʊd/ in UK).