Lobulated

Lobulated is an adjective describing something that consists of, or is divided into, lobes; the form resembles multiple rounded projections. The term derives from Latin lobulus, meaning small lobe, with the adjectival suffix -atus used in English to form lobulated.

In anatomy and pathology, lobulated describes organs, structures, or lesions whose borders or external surfaces show several rounded projections rather than a single smooth contour. Examples include lobulated tumors or nodules, and in some contexts fetal lobulation of the kidney, a normal developmental variant in which the renal surface shows shallow indentations corresponding to separate lobes.

In radiology and histology, lobulated contours on CT or MRI indicate a lesion composed of multiple lobules and can help narrow differential diagnosis. Neutrophils and some other cells may possess lobulated nuclei, comprised of several connected lobes.

In botany, lobulated describes leaves, thalli, or petals that have distinct lobes, often with sinuses between them; highly lobulated leaves are common in some plant groups and can be a characteristic feature used in identification.

Lobulation is the related noun; lobulate is sometimes used as an alternate form. The term is valued for its precision in describing shape and margin characteristics across disciplines.