Knot

Origin

Middle English, from Old English cnotta; akin to Old High German knoto knot

• before 12th Century

Definitions

• 1a : an interlacement of the parts of one or more flexible bodies forming a lump or knob (as for fastening or tying together)

b : the lump or knob so formed

c : a tight constriction or the sense of constriction <my stomach was all in knots>

• 2: something hard to solve : problem <a matter full of legal knots>
• 3: a bond of union; especially : the marriage bond
• 4a : a protuberant lump or swelling in tissue <a knot in a gland>

b : the base of a woody branch enclosed in the stem from which it arises; also : its section in lumber

• 5: a cluster of persons or things : group
• 6: an ornamental bow of ribbon : cockade
• 7a : a division of the log's line serving to measure a ship's speed

b (1) : one nautical mile per hour (2) : one nautical mile —not used technically

• 8: a closed curve in three-dimensional space

Description

A knot is a method of fastening or securing linear material such as rope by tying or interweaving. It may consist of a length of one or several segments of rope, string, webbing, twine, strap, or even chain interwoven such that the line can bind to itself or to some other object—the "load". Knots have been the subject of interest for their ancient origins, their common uses, and the area of mathematics known as knot theory.[1]