What does GNARL mean?

Parts of Speech:

Noun, verb

Definitions:

Noun: a rough, knotty protuberance on a tree, root, or woody stem; a twisted or distorted shape or expression.

Verb: (1) to form into gnarls; (2) to twist or contort the face or body in an expression of pain, anger, or disgust.

Pronunciations:

US: /nɑːrl/ (narl) or /nɑːrəl/ (nar-ul); /nɑːrl/ (narl) or /nɑːrəl/ (nar-ul)

UK: /nɑːl/ (narl); /nɑːrəl/ (nar-ul)

Origin and Usage:

The word "gnarl" originated in the early 14th century from the Old Norse "gnarr", meaning "a knot in wood". It has been used in English to describe twisted or knotted wood, and later, in a figurative sense, to describe a twisted or distorted shape or expression. As a verb, "gnarl" has been used since the 16th century to describe the act of twisting or contorting into a gnarled shape, or to describe a facial expression of pain, anger, or disgust.

Synonyms:

Twist, knot, contort, deform, distort, mangle, warp

Related Words:

Knarl, snarl, whirl, pearl, swirl

Example Sentences:

Noun: The old oak tree was covered in gnarls and knots.

Noun: The sculptor carved the gnarl of the tree into a beautiful work of art.

Verb: She gnarled her face in pain as she stubbed her toe on the coffee table.

Verb: The roots of the