gnarl

Gnarl is a noun that refers to a knot, lump, or twisted growth on a tree or piece of wood. It can also describe a similar irregularity in other plant matter. A gnarl typically consists of thick, irregularly arranged wood fibers where normal grain patterns are disrupted.

In trees, gnarls form when growth occurs around an injury, disease, or other disturbance, or when genetic variation produces a contorted growth habit. The result is a knobby protrusion or a dense, twisted area that may extend into branches or the trunk. Gnarled formations are common in many species and can vary in size from small nodules to large, prominent structures.

In practical terms, gnarl affects wood quality. The irregular grain around a gnarl makes cutting, planing, and joining more difficult and can create weak points that complicate structural use. For this reason, gnarl can be undesirable in construction timber, but it can be valued in woodturning or veneer work for its distinctive figure and pattern.

As a verb, gnarl means to twist or knot, though this usage is uncommon. The related adjective gnarly describes something that is knotted, twisted, or rugged in appearance, often implying a weathered or aged condition.

See also: knot, burl, gnarled, wood grain.