macroscopic

adjective

mac·​ro·​scop·​ic ˌma-krə-ˈskä-pik 

1

: observable by the naked eye

2

: involving large units or elements

macroscopically

ˌma-krə-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of macroscopic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Some wondered whether Schrödinger’s equation might be an approximation that works extremely well at the microscopic scale but breaks down at the macroscopic scale, which would mean the measurement postulate of the Copenhagen interpretation is right. — Philipp Strasberg, Scientific American, 20 Oct. 2026

Now, this is what happens in Leggett-Garg tests of macroscopic realism. — Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026

Turning the quantum vacuum into a control knob The challenge is that vacuum fluctuations are normally far too weak to noticeably influence the collective behavior of a macroscopic material. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

At least once a week, Dahrouge or Goetz goes to nearby wetlands, stirs shin-deep water and collects silty samples filled with arthropods, daphnia and other macroscopic critters the salamanders will eat. — Nathan Rott, NPR, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

macro- + -scopic (in microscopic)

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for macroscopic

• allotropic
• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic
• isentropic
• isotopic
• isotropic
• microscopic
• misanthropic

Kids Definition

macroscopic

adjective

mac·​ro·​scop·​ic ˌmak-rə-ˈskäp-ik 

: large enough to be observed by the naked eye

macroscopic animals

Medical Definition

macroscopic

adjective

mac·​ro·​scop·​ic ˌmak-rə-ˈskäp-ik 

: large enough to be observed by the naked eye compare microscopic sense 2, submicroscopic, ultramicroscopic sense 1

macroscopically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb