macronucleus

noun

mac·ro·nu·cle·us | \ ˌma-krō-ˈnü-klē-əs

How to pronounce macronucleus (audio)

, -ˈnyü-\

Definition of macronucleus

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

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Last Updated

23 Apr 2019

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The first known use of macronucleus was in 1887

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macronucleus

noun

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

\

plural macronuclei\ -ˌī

\ also macronucleuses

Medical Definition of macronucleus

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

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