knuckles

/ˈnʌkəlz/
verb
  1. To press or rub with the knuckles, often as a form of greeting or punishment.
    • He knuckled his friend's shoulder as a playful greeting.
    • She knuckled the dough to knead it properly.
    • The teacher knuckled the student's head for talking in class.
noun
  1. The joints of the fingers, especially where they meet the hand.
    • He cracked his knuckles before starting to type.
    • Her knuckles turned white as she gripped the steering wheel.
    • The boxer's knuckles were bruised after the fight.
  2. A part of a machine or tool that functions like a joint, allowing movement.
    • The mechanical arm's knuckles needed replacement.
    • The robot's knuckles allowed its fingers to bend smoothly.
    • He oiled the knuckles of the old pliers to loosen them.
What does "knuckles" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean