Globular

Part of Speech:

Adjective

Pronunciation:

/ˈɡlɒbjʊlər/

Definitions:

1. Having the shape of a globe or sphere; spherical.
2. Composed of small, round particles or globules.

Usage Examples:

• The globular clusters of stars fascinated astronomers with their dense formations.
• The plant's globular fruits were admired for their perfect roundness.

Etymology:

Derived from the Latin globulus, a diminutive of globus, meaning "sphere" or "ball."

Synonyms:

• Spherical
• Round
• Orbicular

Antonyms:

• Angular
• Flat
• Irregular

Translations:

Regional Pronunciation Variations:

• British English: /ˈɡlɒbjʊlə/
• American English: /ˈɡloʊbjələr/

Historical Usage:

The term 'globular' has been used since the 17th century in scientific descriptions, especially in astronomy and biology, to denote spherical forms.

Cultural Nuances:

In scientific contexts, 'globular' often appears in astronomy to describe dense clusters of stars. In biology, it describes rounded cells or protein structures. Outside of scientific fields, 'globular' might be used metaphorically to describe something that has a rounded or compact form.

More Information:

Globular clusters, dense collections of stars orbiting the core of a galaxy, are named for their roughly spherical shapes. In molecular biology, the term "globular protein" refers to proteins that fold into compact, spherical shapes, essential for various cellular functions. In everyday language, 'globular' may be used metaphorically to describe compact, rounded entities, symbolizing wholeness or completeness. Its descriptive precision makes it a valuable term in both scientific and literary expressions.