Globule

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

English (General): /ˈɡlɒb.juːl/

American English: /ˈɡlɑːb.juːl/

British English: /ˈɡlɒb.juːl/

Definitions

• A small spherical mass, especially of a liquid or semiliquid substance.
• A small drop or bead, as of water or fat.
• In astronomy, a small dark nebula thought to be a site of star formation.

Usage Examples

• A globule of oil floated on the surface of the water.
• The scientist observed tiny globules forming in the chemical reaction.
• Dark globules in the nebula are believed to be the birthplaces of new stars.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin "globulus," meaning "a small sphere," which is a diminutive form of "globus," meaning "ball" or "globe."

Synonyms

• Bead
• Drop
• Sphere
• Droplet

Antonyms

• Solid mass
• Flat surface

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• North American: /ˈɡlɑːb.juːl/
• British: /ˈɡlɒb.juːl/
• Australian: /ˈɡlɒb.juːl/

Historical Usage

The term "globule" has been used in English since the 17th century, primarily in scientific and medical contexts to describe small spherical objects, including blood cells and liquid drops.

Cultural Nuances

While "globule" is a technical term in medicine and astronomy, it is also used poetically to describe small droplets in nature, such as raindrops and dew.

More Information

Globules are widely studied in various scientific fields. In medicine, red and white blood cells are sometimes referred to as globules. In astronomy, Bok globules are dense regions of gas and dust where new stars may form. The concept of small spherical masses is also significant in physics and chemistry.