spherule: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Formal
Quick answer
What does “spherule” mean?
A very small sphere or spherical particle.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A very small sphere or spherical particle.
A tiny, roughly spherical body, often used in scientific contexts to describe microscopic structures, such as fungal spores, mineral granules, or cells.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or meaning differences. The word is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
None specific to either variety. Carries purely technical/scientific connotations.
Frequency
Extremely rare in general discourse in both varieties. Frequency is confined to specialised scientific literature (geology, biology, medicine, materials science).
Grammar
How to Use “spherule” in a Sentence
[adj] spherulespherule of [noun]spherule composed of [material]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spherule” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The material does not spherulate under these conditions.
- The process is designed to spherulate the powder.
American English
- The molten material will spherulize upon cooling.
- The technology spherulizes the polymer into fine particles.
adjective
British English
- The spherulitic texture indicated rapid cooling.
- Spherule-forming bacteria were identified.
American English
- The sample showed a spherulitic structure under the microscope.
- Spherulitic carbonate was observed in the thin section.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in specialised papers in geology, planetary science, microbiology, and materials science.
Everyday
Extremely unlikely to be encountered or used.
Technical
Primary domain. Refers to specific spherical microstructures, e.g., 'The impact ejecta contained abundant silicate spherules.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “spherule”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “spherule”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spherule”
- Misspelling as 'sphereule' or 'sferule'. Using it to describe large spherical objects.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in scientific and technical contexts.
A spherule is specifically a very small sphere, typically microscopic. 'Sphere' can refer to any size.
It would sound very unusual and technical. More common words like 'tiny ball', 'bead', or 'speck' would be used instead.
Yes. 'Spherulize' (US) / 'Spherulate' (UK-ish) means to form into spherules. 'Spherulitic' is an adjective describing a material composed of or resembling spherules.
A very small sphere or spherical particle.
Spherule is usually technical/formal in register.
Spherule: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsfɛrjuːl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsfɪrˌjuːl/ or /ˈsfɛrˌjuːl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'sphere' + the diminutive suffix '-ule' (like in 'capsule' or 'granule'). A spherule is a tiny sphere.
Conceptual Metaphor
None common.
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'spherule' MOST likely to be used?