Definition of gnarled

gnarledadjective

ngớ ngẩn

/nɑːld//nɑːrld/

The word "gnarled" has a fascinating etymology. It originates from the Old English word "gnærr", meaning "rough" or "wrinkled". This word was likely influenced by the Middle English word "gnar", which meant "to gnaw" or "to eat away", possibly referring to the way roots or branches of trees can gnaw into the surrounding soil or bark. Over time, the spelling and meaning of the word evolved. By the 15th century, "gnarled" referred specifically to the twisted and knotty appearance of tree branches, often due to age or disease. Today, the word is often used to describe not just physical objects, but also figurative notions of something that is rough, irregular, or distorted. Despite its evolution, the word "gnarled" still retains its connection to the rough and rustic, evoking images of ancient, weathered trees.

namespace

twisted and rough; with hard parts growing all over it

xoắn và thô ráp; với những phần cứng mọc khắp nơi

Example:
  • a gnarled oak/branch/trunk

    một cây sồi/nhánh/thân cây có xương xẩu

bent and twisted because of age or illness

cong và vặn vẹo vì tuổi tác hoặc bệnh tật

Example:
  • gnarled hands

    bàn tay xương xẩu

  • His hands were gnarled with age and arthritis.

    Bàn tay ông xương xẩu vì tuổi tác và bệnh viêm khớp.

Related words and phrases

Idioms

have/want none of something
to refuse to accept something
  • I offered to pay but he was having none of it.
  • They pretended to be enthusiastic about my work but then suddenly decided they wanted none of it.
    • none but
    (literary)only
  • None but he knew the truth.
    • none the less
    despite this fact
    none other than
    used to emphasize who or what somebody/something is, when this is surprising
  • Her first customer was none other than Mrs Obama.