lobule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowTechnical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “lobule” mean?
A small lobe.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A small lobe; a subdivision of a lobe.
A small, rounded structure, typically referring to a division of an organ in the body, such as in the liver, lungs, brain, or mammary gland.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both follow the same technical application.
Connotations
None beyond the technical definition.
Frequency
Equally rare and specialized in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “lobule” in a Sentence
[adjective] + lobule (e.g., hepatic lobule)lobule + [of + organ] (e.g., lobule of the ear)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “lobule” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The tissue is lobulated, meaning it is divided into small lobules.
American English
- The gland lobulates during development.
adverb
British English
- The cells were arranged lobularly.
American English
- The tissue is divided lobularly.
adjective
British English
- The lobular structure was clearly visible under the microscope.
- She was diagnosed with lobular carcinoma.
American English
- The lobular architecture of the lung is complex.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Used in medicine, biology, anatomy, and related life sciences. Describes precise structural components.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
The primary domain of use. Describes specific parts of organs (e.g., 'The basic functional unit of the liver is the hepatic lobule.').
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “lobule”
- Confusing 'lobule' with the larger 'lobe'.
- Using it in non-scientific contexts where 'section' or 'part' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, technical term used almost exclusively in scientific and medical fields.
A lobule is a small subdivision of a lobe. A lobe is a larger, clearly defined part of an organ (like a lung lobe), which itself is composed of many lobules.
No, 'lobule' is only a noun. The related verb is 'lobulate' (to form into lobules), and the adjective is 'lobular'.
No, unless you are studying or working in medicine, biology, or anatomy. It is not required for everyday communication.
A small lobe.
Lobule is usually technical/scientific in register.
Lobule: in British English it is pronounced /ˈlɒbjuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈlɑːbjuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a LOBE (like an earlobe). A LOBULE is just a little (-ule) lobe. So, a small lobe.
Conceptual Metaphor
A MODULE or SUBUNIT within a larger, complex SYSTEM (the organ).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'lobule' most appropriately used?