ENGLISH
REFERENCE

globular

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈɡɫɑbjəɫɝ// UK //ɡlˈɒbjʊlɐ// glob·u·lar Astronomy
Definition

adj. shaped like a ball or sphere. In science, it describes objects that are perfectly round, like certain types of stars or clusters.

adj. having a spherical or ball-like shape. In an astronomical context, it specifically refers to dense, spherical clusters of stars that orbit the galactic core.


SIMPLE

The scientist examined the globular clusters through the telescope.

CONTEXTUAL

Astronomers study globular clusters because the stars within them are among the oldest in the galaxy.

COMPLEX

The globular structure of the protein allows it to remain stable in various environments, a critical feature for its biological function within the cell membrane.

Origin

From French globulaire or Medieval Latin globulāris.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Related words

Last updated June 22, 2026