knob

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   a rounded handle on a door, drawer, lid, or similar object

   She turned the brass knob and pushed the door open.

2. 2
   noun

   a round control that is turned to adjust a machine or device

   Turn the volume knob clockwise to make the music louder.

3. 3
   noun

   a rounded projection, lump, or thickened part

   A small knob of bone was visible beneath the skin.

4. 4
   noun

   British informal, insulting: a foolish or unpleasant person

   Ignore him; he is being a complete knob.

From Middle English knobbe, 'a rounded lump or knot,' probably borrowed from or related to Middle Low German knobbe. It belongs to a Germanic group of kn- words for rounded projections, knots, and buttons, including German Knopf and Dutch knop. The insulting British slang sense developed from the word's vulgar anatomical use.

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