macroscopic

adjective

mac·ro·scop·ic ˌma-krə-ˈskä-pik

1

: observable by the naked eye

2

: involving large units or elements

macroscopically

ˌma-krə-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē

adverb

Word History

Etymology

macro- + -scopic (in microscopic)

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler

The first known use of macroscopic was in 1872

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Browse Nearby Words

macrosclereid

macroscopic

macrosegment

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Macroscopic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macroscopic. Accessed 22 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

macroscopic

adjective

mac·ro·scop·ic ˌmak-rə-ˈskäp-ik

: large enough to be observed by the naked eye

macroscopic animals

Medical Definition

macroscopic

adjective

mac·ro·scop·ic ˌmak-rə-ˈskäp-ik

: large enough to be observed by the naked eye compare microscopic sense 2, submicroscopic, ultramicroscopic sense 1

macroscopically

-i-k(ə-)lē

adverb

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