Glomerule

Glomerule is a term used in several biological contexts to denote a small, compact cluster or mass. The word derives from Latin glomerulus, meaning “little ball,” and functions as a diminutive form of glomerulus in English.

In botany, glomerule refers to a tiny, densely packed cluster of flowers or fruits within an inflorescence. This sense describes arrangements where individual flowers or fruits are tightly grouped, forming a compact unit that stands out from more diffuse floral structures. The term is more common in descriptive floras and historical literature, and it may be used to distinguish a small, globular grouping from larger or more loosely organized parts of an inflorescence.

In anatomy and histology, glomerule appears as an infrequent, older usage to denote a small glomerulus or glomerulus-like tuft of cells or capillaries. In modern texts, researchers generally prefer the term glomerulus or specify the tissue or organ involved, reserving glomerule for limited, diminutive contexts.

Etymology and usage notes: Glomerule comes from the Latin root glomerulus and the diminutive suffix -ule. The term is not widely used in contemporary technical writing and can be encountered primarily in foundational descriptions, botanical glossaries, or discussions of historical terminology.

See also: glomerulus, inflorescence, plant morphology, histology.