Crossword Genius

Lumps express disagreement, reportedly, with prearranged combats (7)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

nodules

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'lumps' is the definition.
(a nodule is a lump of cells in the body)

I cannot understand how the remainder of the clue works.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for nodules that I've seen before include "Loudens like lumps" , "Small rounded lumps" , "Loudens due to small lumps" , "Small swellings" , "Small lumps - led us on (anag)" .)

I've seen this clue in The Irish Times.
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