lobe

noun \ ˈlōb \

|Updated on: 10 Aug 2018

Definition of lobe

: a curved or rounded projection or division; specifically : a usually somewhat rounded projection or division of a bodily organ or part

See lobe defined for English-language learners

See lobe defined for kids

Examples of lobe in a Sentence

the frontal lobe of the brain

Recent Examples of lobe from the Web

But only celebrity babies' lobes have the power to ignite an Internet debate about the safety of body jewelry for youngsters.

— carly mallenbaum, USA TODAY, "Kylie Jenner and Stormi spark debate: How old must a baby be before getting pierced ears?," 12 July 2018
The acquisition put Lilis in the Delaware Basin, the less developed western lobe of the Permian that extends into New Mexico.

— jordan blum, San Antonio Express-News, "Lilis may be an acquisition target," 13 July 2018
But when a baby suckles a mom’s breasts, the mother’s brain’s posterior lobe secretes oxytocin, and some of that pain is relieved with the release of milk.

— julia belluz, Vox, "Separating breastfeeding children from mothers is exceptionally cruel," 15 June 2018
Moth tails vary from species to species: Some have big lobes at the bottom of the hindwing instead of a distinctive tail; others have just a short protrusion.

— elizabeth pennisi, Science | AAAS, "Watch how battles with bats give moths their flashy tails," 4 July 2018
Cownose rays have a unique feature: long, pointed pectoral fins that separate into two lobes in front of their high-domed heads.

— the kansas city zoo, kansascity, "New Stingray Bay Touch Tank Exhibit Now Open at KC Zoo (Sponsored)," 27 June 2018
With their deep lobes and complex patterns, its huge leaves may be as much as five feet across.

— martin weil, Washington Post, "Huge, toxic weed found for first time in Virginia, experts say," 19 June 2018
Now, watching creeping lobes of molten rock slowly wipe out entire neighborhoods over the past month, she has been transported back to those losses.

— CBS News, "Hawaii homeowners describe despair after lava destroys hundreds of homes," 15 June 2018
The black hole in the center of one of the colliding lobes in Arp 299 has the mass of about 20 million suns.

— dennis overbye, New York Times, "Black Hole Drags Star to Dusty Death," 14 June 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lobe.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Origin and Etymology of lobe

Middle French, from Late Latin lobus, from Greek lobos

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First Known Use: 1541

in the meaning defined above

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LOBE Defined for English Language Learners

lobe

noun

Definition of lobe for English Language Learners

: a curved or rounded part of something (such as a leaf or a part of the body)

LOBE Defined for Kids

lobe

noun \ ˈlōb \

Definition of lobe for Students

: a rounded part

a lobe of a leaf

the lobe of the ear

—

lobed

\ˈlōbd\ adjective

Medical Dictionary

lobe

noun \ ˈlōb \

medical Definition of lobe

: a curved or rounded projection or division: as

a : a more or less rounded projection of a body organ or part

the lobe of the ear

b : a division of a body organ (as the brain, lungs, or liver) marked off by a fissure on the surface

Illustration of lobe

Learn More about lobe

See words that rhyme with lobe Spanish Central: Translation of lobe Nglish: Translation of lobe for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of lobe for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lobe

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lobe

Definition of lobe

Examples of lobe in a Sentence

Recent Examples of lobe from the Web

Origin and Etymology of lobe

LOBE Defined for English Language Learners

lobe

Definition of lobe for English Language Learners

LOBE Defined for Kids

lobe

Definition of lobe for Students

lobed

Medical Dictionary

lobe

medical Definition of lobe

Illustration of lobe

Learn More about lobe

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