Lobelike

Lobelike is an adjective used to describe a form or structure that resembles a lobe, a rounded projection or subdivision that often projects from or borders a larger organ or body. The term emphasizes the appearance of the feature rather than its exact internal organization.

In biology and anatomy, lobelike shapes describe features that resemble lobes. The brain is divided into lobes (frontal, parietal, temporal, occipital); the liver and lungs are also described as having lobes. In botany, many leaves are lobed, giving a maple- or oak-like outline.

Related terms include lobed, lobate, and lobular. Lobed typically refers to distinct, separated lobes on a structure; lobate describes rounded lobes along a margin or surface; lobiform signifies a lobe-shaped form. Etymology traces to the Latin lobus (lobe) with the English suffix -like.

Usage notes: The choice between lobelike, lobed, and lobate depends on precision; lobelike often highlights superficial resemblance rather than exact segmentation. The term is widely used across disciplines but is less common in everyday description.