knot

knot · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A fastening made by tying a piece of string, rope, or something similar.

  2. 2.

    A tangle in hair, thread, or similar material.

  3. 3.

    A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour (approximately 1.15 mph or 1.85 km/h).

  4. 4.

    A hard mass formed in a tree trunk where a branch emerges.

Forms

plural: knots

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    tie the knot — get married
  • •
    at a rate of knots — very quickly
  • •
    tie oneself in knots — become confused or anxious

Related words

See also: knots, tangle, tie
Synonyms: loop, tangle, tie

Etymology

From Old English cnotta, from Proto-Germanic knuttan, related to Dutch knot and German Knoten.