globoid

Globoid is a term used in several fields to denote something globe-like or rounded. In each domain, its meaning is specialized, and there is no single formal definition that applies universally.

In medicine, globoid cells are large macrophages with foamy cytoplasm that accumulate in the white matter during Krabbe disease, also known as globoid cell leukodystrophy. Krabbe disease is a rare lysosomal storage disorder caused by deficient activity of the enzyme galactocerebrosidase, leading to the buildup of certain lipids and progressive demyelination of the nervous system. Clinically, affected infants may present with irritability, hypotonia or rigidity, feeding difficulties, and developmental delay. Diagnosis relies on enzymatic testing and genetic analysis, and treatment is largely supportive; hematopoietic stem cell transplantation may be considered in some cases if diagnosed early.

In geometry and modeling, globoid is used informally to describe rounded, globe-like shapes. Some older or specialized texts have used the term to refer to particular polyhedra or surfaces with a compact, near-spherical silhouette, but there is no universally accepted formal definition of a globoid in geometry. In computer graphics and deformation modeling, the idea of a globoid can appear in discussions of blob-like or metaball-type shapes used to approximate smooth organic forms.

Etymology and related terms: globoid derives from the Latin globus, meaning sphere, combined with the suffix -oid meaning resembling. Related concepts include globule and globularity. See also globoid cell and Krabbe disease.