globule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Scientific, Literary
Quick answer
What does “globule” mean?
A very small drop or ball of a liquid or semi-liquid substance.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very small drop or ball of a liquid or semi-liquid substance.
A tiny spherical particle or droplet; a small round blob. In scientific contexts, it can refer to specific small spherical structures, such as fat globules in milk or red blood cells.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Slightly archaic or poetic in general use; primarily a technical/scientific term in modern contexts.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in both varieties, limited mostly to scientific, medical, or descriptive literary texts.
Grammar
How to Use “globule” in a Sentence
globule of [liquid/substance]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “globule” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The fat began to globulate as it cooled.
American English
- The resin globulated on the surface.
adjective
British English
- The sample showed a globular structure.
American English
- The globular form was evident under the microscope.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly in very specific industries like cosmetics ('encapsulated oil globules') or food science.
Academic
Common in biology, chemistry, medicine, and geology to describe microscopic spherical structures.
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used for poetic or humorous effect ('a globule of ketchup').
Technical
Standard term in scientific descriptions, e.g., 'lipid globules', 'glassy globules in volcanic rock'.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “globule”
- Confusing spelling with 'global'. Using it for large drops (it implies smallness). Overusing in everyday speech where 'drop' suffices.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency word used primarily in scientific, medical, or formal descriptive writing.
A 'globule' specifically suggests a small, spherical shape and is often used in technical contexts. A 'drop' is more general and common in everyday language.
Typically for liquids or soft semi-solids. For solid spheres, words like 'bead', 'pellet', or 'spherule' might be more precise, though 'globule' can be used poetically.
Not standard. Related verbs are 'coalesce', 'form droplets', or the rare/technical 'globulate'.
A very small drop or ball of a liquid or semi-liquid substance.
Globule is usually formal, scientific, literary in register.
Globule: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɒb.juːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡlɑːb.juːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not in the rain, but in the globule (poetic/rare)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'GLOBULE' sounding like 'GLOBE' + 'tiny'. A tiny globe-shaped droplet.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIQUID IS SPHERICAL MATTER (e.g., fat globules floating in broth).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'globule' most appropriately used?