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macronucleus

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noun mac·ro·nu·cle·us \ˌma-krō-ˈnü-klē-əs, -ˈnyü-\

Definition of macronucleus

  1. :  a relatively large densely staining nucleus of most ciliate protozoans that is derived from micronuclei and controls various nonreproductive functions

macronuclear

play \ˌmak-rō-ˈnü-klē-ər, -ˈnyü-, ÷-kyə-lər\ adjective

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Origin and Etymology of macronucleus

New Latin

Medical Dictionary

macronucleus

play
noun mac·ro·nu·cle·us \ˌmak-rō-ˈn(y)ü-klē-əs\

Medical Definition of macronucleus

plural

macronuclei

\-ˌī\play also

macronucleuses

  1. :  a relatively large densely staining nucleus of most ciliate protozoans that is derived from micronuclei and controls various nonreproductive functions—compare micronucleus

macronuclear

\ˌmak-rō-ˈn(y)ü-klē-ər\play adjective

Learn More about macronucleus

  1. Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about macronucleus

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macronucleus

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