gnarl Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun something twisted and tight and swollen
    knot.
    • their muscles stood out in knots
    • the old man's fists were two great gnarls
    • his stomach was in knots
  2. verb twist into a state of deformity
    • The wind has gnarled this old tree
  3. verb make complaining remarks or noises under one's breath
    grumble; mutter; murmur; croak.
    • she grumbles when she feels overworked

WordNet

Gnarl intransitive verb
Etymology
From older gnar, prob. of imitative origin; cf. G. knarren, knurren. D. knorren, Sw. knorra, Dan. knurre.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Gnarled ; present participle & verbal noun Gnarling
Definitions
  1. To growl; to snarl.
    And wolves are gnarling who shall gnaw thee first. Shak.
Gnarl noun
Etymology
See Gnar, n.
Definitions
  1. a knot in wood; a large or hard knot, or a protuberance with twisted grain, on a tree.

Webster 1913