macula

noun

mac·​u·​la ˈma-kyə-lə How to pronounce macula (audio)
plural maculae ˈma-kyə-ˌlē How to pronounce macula (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce macula (audio) also maculas
1
: spot, blotch
especially : macule
2
a
: an anatomical structure having the form of a spot differentiated from surrounding tissues
b
: a small yellowish area lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina that is made up mostly of cones (see cone entry 1 sense 3a), plays a key role in visual acuity, and has the fovea at its center

called also macula lutea, yellow spot

macular adjective

Examples of macula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These carotenoids specifically accumulate in a part of the retina called the macula. Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Oct. 2024 This is because a damaged macula has a harder time processing visual information in low-light settings. Sarah Hudgens, Health, 11 Sep. 2024 Damage to the macula is one of the leading causes of vision loss.8 Anti-VEGF injections block VEGF to prevent eye damage and preserve your vision. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 July 2024 May Promote Eye Health Spinach contains lutein and zeaxanthin (carotenoids), which accumulate in the retina, particularly in the macula, and are known as macular pigments. Jamie Johnson, Verywell Health, 15 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for macula 

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin, "stain, spot, blemish, one of the interstices of a net," of uncertain origin

Note: If macula goes back to *sma-tlā, then *sma- may represent an Indo-European base *smh1- seen in Greek smáō, smân "to cleanse, wipe clean," smêma "ointment."

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of macula was in the 15th century

Dictionary Entries Near macula

Cite this Entry

“Macula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macula. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

macula

noun
mac·​u·​la ˈmak-yə-lə How to pronounce macula (audio)
plural maculae -ˌlē How to pronounce macula (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce macula (audio) also maculas
1
: a spot or blotch
especially : macule sense 2
2
: an anatomical structure having the form of a spot differentiated from surrounding tissues: as
b
: a small yellowish area lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina that is made up mostly of cones, plays a key role in visual acuity, and has the fovea at its center

called also macula lutea, yellow spot

More from Merriam-Webster on macula

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