WordGarden.iolobular
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /ˈlɒbjʊlə/adjective
US
- /ˈlɑbjələr/adjective
Meanings
Adjective
relating to a lobe or lobule in an organ or other biological structure
Beyond the definition
The word "lobular" describes something that is made of, related to, or shaped like small rounded parts called lobules. It is used most often in medicine and biology, where tissues and organs are often described by their structure. For example, "lobular carcinoma" is a type of breast cancer that begins in the milk-producing glands, which are called lobules.
The idea is usually about small rounded divisions within a larger whole. So if something is "lobular," you can picture it as being arranged in little rounded sections rather than as one smooth, unbroken mass.
"Lobular" comes from the Latin word lobulus, meaning "little lobe." At its core, it describes something that is made of lobules, related to lobules, or shaped like them. A lobule is a small, rounded division that forms part of a larger structure.
In medicine, "lobular" often appears in anatomy and pathology. For example, breast tissue contains lobules, and "lobular carcinoma" gets its name because the cancer begins in those milk-producing parts. The word can also describe tissue that has a structure made up of many small rounded sections. In this kind of use, it helps doctors say exactly what part of the body they are talking about.
Outside medicine, the word can also be used more broadly for anything with a pattern of small rounded sections, though this is less common. In scientific writing, it may describe structures in plants, minerals, or other natural forms when they appear divided into little lobe-like parts.
Essentially, if something is arranged in small rounded divisions or has the form of lobules, "lobular" is the right word. It is mainly a technical term, and you will see it most often in medical or biological contexts.
Examples
- 1
Anatomy
Normal breast tissue has a lobular structure.
- 2
Liver biopsy
The biopsy showed lobular inflammation in the liver.
- 3
Cancer reports
Doctors discussed whether the tumor was ductal or lobular.
- Domainductal or lobular
a common medical contrast, especially in breast cancer reports
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- lobularadjective