1. to growl angrily or threateningly
2. to twist or become twisted into a rough, knotted shape

1. rough, twisted knots or bumps, especially on wood

Examples

• The old dog gnarls at strangers who approach the house.
• Years of wind and weather gnarls the branches of the oak tree.
• The carpenter avoided the gnarls in the wood when cutting the board.
• Her arthritic hands gnarls with age and pain.
• The rope gnarls into an impossible tangle.
• Ancient gnarls covered the surface of the driftwood.
• He gnarls his response through clenched teeth.