knobbly

Everyday

1. Knobbly means covered with small round lumps or bumps. tree →
2. Knobbly knees are bony knees that stick out. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life and stories it describes old trees, tree roots, potatoes, walking sticks or a knobbly old man's hands. In science lessons on materials or plants it describes bumpy textures. Phrases: «knobbly knees», «a knobbly stick», «knobbly tyres».

Examples

• The old oak tree had a knobbly trunk. tree →
• He laughed at his own knobbly knees in his shorts. tree →
• The mountain bike has knobbly tyres for mud. tree →
• Gran's knobbly walking stick is made from a branch. tree →
• Ginger is a knobbly root. tree →
• The toad's back was knobbly and brown. tree →

Note

Mainly UK, Australia and New Zealand; the USA usually says «knobby». The «k» is silent: «NOB-lee». Comes from «knob» (a round lump or handle).