lobe

Definition & meaning

lobe is a masculine French noun meaning lobe, a rounded or distinct section of an organ or structure.

Common meanings include:

• Ear lobe: the soft, fleshy lower part of the ear.
  le lobe de l’oreille ↗

• Brain lobe: one of the major anatomical divisions of the brain, such as the frontal, temporal, parietal, or occipital lobe.
  le lobe frontal ↗

• Lung lobe: one of the sections of a lung.
  le lobe pulmonaire ↗

• More generally, a rounded division or projection of an organ or other natural structure.

Grammar & Word origin

• Gender: masculine
• Singular: un lobe ↗
• Plural: des lobes ↗

The word comes from Latin lobus, itself derived from Ancient Greek lobos, meaning a rounded part or projection.

Synonyms & antonyms

There is no exact general synonym. Depending on context:

• partie ↗ — “part” or “section”; broader and less specifically anatomical.
• portion ↗ — “portion” or “segment”; emphasizes being a division of a whole.
• segment ↗ — “segment”; often more geometric or technical, whereas lobe suggests a rounded anatomical section.

There is no direct antonym for lobe. In some contexts, organe entier ↗ (“whole organ”) can contrast with an individual lobe.

Common phrases & collocations

• le lobe de l’oreille ↗ — the earlobe
• le lobe frontal ↗ — the frontal lobe
• le lobe temporal ↗ — the temporal lobe
• le lobe pariétal ↗ — the parietal lobe
• le lobe occipital ↗ — the occipital lobe
• un lobe pulmonaire ↗ — a lung lobe