nudillo

knuckle

noun noo-DEE-yoh Rare

Origin: From Latin nodulus, diminutive of nodus ('knot').

Usage Note

Nudillo is masculine and typically used in the plural nudillos when referring to the knuckles of a hand. The double-l is pronounced as 'y' in most of the Spanish-speaking world (seseo regions included). It is related to nudo ('knot' or 'node') and nudoso ('knotty, gnarled'). The phrase golpear con los nudillos means 'to knock (on a door) with the knuckles'.

Examples

"Golpeó la puerta con los nudillos."

Natural Translation

He knocked on the door with his knuckles.

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