gnarl

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to twist or deform something into a rough, knotted shape

   Years of coastal wind can gnarl the branches of a young tree.

2. 2
   noun

   a hard knot or twisted swelling in wood, especially on a tree

   The carpenter cut around a large gnarl in the oak board.

3. 3
   verb

   archaic: to growl, mutter, or complain under one's breath

   The wounded man began to gnarl at anyone who approached him.

The wood noun and twisting verb are back-formations from gnarled. Their earlier history is uncertain and may overlap with words for a knot or rough projection. The growling verb is a separate imitative use.

Topics

External links

• Cambridge Dictionary
• Wiktionary
• Google Images