macula
noun
mac·u·la
ˈma-kyə-lə 
plural maculae
ˈma-kyə-ˌlē
-ˌlī
also maculas
-ˌlī
also maculas
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
Examples of macula in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In the other form, abnormal blood vessels growing behind the retina damage the macula by leaking blood into it.
—
Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
This treatment is more likely to be used when blood vessel growth is limited to a compact area in the eye, away from the center of the macula, that can be easily targeted with the laser.
—Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024
Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop underneath the retina and macula.
—Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024
These carotenoids specifically accumulate in a part of the retina called the macula.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Oct. 2024
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Ben Coxworth, New Atlas, 18 Jan. 2025
This treatment is more likely to be used when blood vessel growth is limited to a compact area in the eye, away from the center of the macula, that can be easily targeted with the laser.
—Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024
Wet macular degeneration occurs when abnormal blood vessels develop underneath the retina and macula.
—Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024
These carotenoids specifically accumulate in a part of the retina called the macula.
—Jillian Kubala, Health, 31 Oct. 2024
See all Example Sentences for macula
Dictionary Entries Near macula
Cite this Entry
“Macula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macula. Accessed 29 Jan. 2025.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
macula
noun
mac·u·la
ˈmak-yə-lə
1
: a spot or blotch
especially
: macule sense 2
2
: an anatomical structure having the form of a spot differentiated from surrounding tissues: as
a
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