macromolecule

mac·ro·mol·e·cule

noun \ˌma-krō-ˈmä-li-ˌkyü(ə)l\

Definition of MACROMOLECULE

: a very large molecule (as of a protein or rubber)

— mac·ro·mo·lec·u·lar \-mə-ˈle-kyə-lər\ adjective

Origin of MACROMOLECULE

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use: circa 1929

mac·ro·mol·e·cule

noun \ˌmak-rō-ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of MACROMOLECULE

: a very large molecule (as of a protein, nucleic acid, or rubber) built up from smaller chemical structures—compare micromolecule

—mac·ro·mo·lec·u·lar \-mə-ˈlek-yə-lər\ adjective

macromolecule

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Any very large molecule, composed of much larger numbers (hundreds or thousands) of atoms than ordinary molecules. Some macromolecules are individual entities that cannot be subdivided without losing their identity (e.g., certain proteins, with molecular weights into the millions). Others (polymers) are multiples of a repeating building block (monomer) in chains or networks (e.g., plastics, cellulose). Most macromolecules are in the size range typical of colloids.