globose

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "globose" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is spherical or rounded in shape, often in scientific or botanical contexts. Example: "The fruit of the plant is globose, resembling a small ball in its shape."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The spores are globose (tetrahedral).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The spores are globose and trilete.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Both types of spores are globose (tetrahedral), but an average megaspore is 20 or more times larger than a microspore.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Also known as bullock's-heart for its globose shape, it has fruits with creamy white, sweetish, custardlike flesh.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sori often have a membranous protective covering (indusium), which can take various forms, including umbrella-shaped, kidney-shaped, and globose.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The plants are globose to cylindrical, the largest species reaching 1.5 metres (about 5 feet) in height.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Small, globose to cylindroid, they are commonly cultivated as potted plants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The sporangia are enclosed in small, structurally complex, globose structures known as sporocarps, with separate sporocarps formed containing either numerous microspores or a single megaspore.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Seeds are especially variable in Asparagales and range in form from the basic globose to angular brownish or black seeds and in content from abundant hard endosperm (food reserves) to microscopic seeds without endosperm.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The globose seed capsules, grooved into 15 sections, are 7.6 cm (3 inches) in diameter and were used in colonial British West Indies as sandboxes for blotting ink.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In general, the male gametes (antherozoids) are produced in globose structures (antheridia) that are either stalked or sunken in the gametophyte.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing biological specimens or technical objects, use "globose" to convey a precise, scientific tone. For general audiences, "spherical" or "round" might be more accessible.

Common error

Avoid using "globose" in casual conversation or when describing everyday objects, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "round" or "spherical" instead.

Linguistic Context

The term "globose" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe their shape. Ludwig examples show it describing spores, fruits, plants, and other objects with a spherical or rounded form. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

70%

News & Media

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "globose" is an adjective used to describe something spherical or rounded in shape. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Examples from encyclopedias and news sources show it is often used in scientific or botanical contexts. While technically accurate, "globose" is best suited for formal or scientific writing; simpler terms like "round" or "spherical" may be more appropriate for general audiences. Its usage is categorized as common, with high frequency in encyclopedic and scientific sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

spherical

Refers to a perfectly round, three-dimensional object, similar to "globose" but often used in a more mathematical or precise context.

globular

Nearly synonymous with "globose", but may imply a slightly less perfect sphere.

globoid

Similar to "globose", but potentially suggesting a slightly irregular or imperfect sphere.

ball-shaped

Describes something having the shape of a ball, providing a more concrete visual.

round

A general term for a circular or spherical shape, less technical than "globose".

spheroid

An object resembling a sphere but not perfectly spherical.

orbicular

Having a flat, circular shape, like an orb or disc. Less common and more formal.

bulbous

Having a swollen, rounded shape, often used to describe plant parts.

circular

A two-dimensional term, referring to a shape like a circle, rather than a sphere.

hemispherical

Shaped like half of a sphere.

FAQs

How do you use "globose" in a sentence?

Use "globose" to describe something that has a spherical or rounded shape, typically in scientific or botanical contexts. For example, "The spores of this fern are globose."

What's a simpler alternative to "globose"?

Alternatives include "spherical", "round", or "ball-shaped". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and the specific context.

Is "globose" the same as "spherical"?

While similar, "globose" can sometimes imply a shape that is generally rounded but not necessarily a perfect sphere. "Spherical" typically refers to a more mathematically precise sphere.

When is it appropriate to use "globose" instead of "round"?

Use "globose" in technical or scientific writing where precision is important. In more general contexts, "round" is usually sufficient and more easily understood.