Verb: When used as a verb, it means to work dough or clay with the hands, pressing and folding it repeatedly to make it smooth and elastic.
Noun: When used as a noun, "knead" refers to the act of kneading. It is a less common usage but still valid.
For example:
* Verb: I knead the dough for an hour to get a good texture.
* Noun: The knead of the dough was vigorous and thorough.