Node
A
node is a basic unit used to build
data structures, such as linked lists and tree data structures. Nodes contain
data and/or links to other nodes. Links between nodes are often implemented by
pointers or references.
In
graph theory, a
graph describes a set of connections between objects. Each object is called a
node or
vertex. The connections themselves are called
edges or
arcs.
In
physics, a
node is a spatial
locus along a standing
wave where the wave has
zero amplitude. This has implications in several fields. For instance, in a
guitar string, the ends of the string are nodes. By changing the position of one of these nodes through fretwork, the guitarist changes the effective vibrating length of the string and thereby the
note played.
In
astronomy, a
node is one of two points where a body's
orbit crosses the
ecliptic, called the
ascending node (when the body is moving northward) and
descending node (when the body is moving southward). The lunar nodes are subject to
lunar precession, this is the gradually shift westard because of the
gravitational pull of the
Sun upon the
Moon. (See also:
eclipse)