knurl

UK: /nɜːl/ US: (nûrl)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026

knurl  (nûrl), n. 

1. a small ridge or bead, esp. one of a series, as on a button for decoration or on the edge of a thumbscrew to assist in obtaining a firm grip.
2. Botany a knur.

v.t. 

3. to make knurls or ridges on.

Also, nurl. 

• earlier knurle (noun, nominal). See knur, -le 1600–10

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

knurl, nurl / nɜːl/ verb (transitive)

1. to impress with a series of fine ridges or serrations

noun

1. a small ridge, esp one of a series providing a rough surface that can be gripped

Etymology: 17th Century: probably from knur