macula

noun

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mac·u·la | \ ˈma-kyə-lə

plural maculae\ ˈma-kyə-ˌlē

, -ˌlī

\ also maculas

Definition of macula

1 : spot, blotch especially : macule

2a : 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

Other Words from macula Example Sentences Phrases Containing macula Learn More About macula

Examples of macula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The macula is central to reading, driving and seeing fine details. — Joe Freeman, oregonlive, 21 Mar. 2022 The smear across his macula was the injury and inflammation caused by the infection. — Lisa Sanders, New York Times, 16 June 2021 While there’s currently no treatment for macular degeneration, eating healthy diet high in antioxidants (like vitamin C) and quitting smoking both help to support the cells of the macula, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation. — Meghan Rabbitt, Good Housekeeping, 14 Oct. 2021 This type is caused by abnormal blood vessels that leak fluid and/or blood into the center part of the retina called the macula, Eichenbaum explains. — Stephanie Emma Pfeffer, PEOPLE.com, 11 Aug. 2021 The macula can be sensitive to blue light, which is emitted from electronic devices such as cellphones, computer monitors and TVs. — Star Tribune, 29 June 2021 But beneath that, Eliott could see another worrisome finding — under the very center of the macula was a small cluster of abnormal blood vessels. — Lisa Sanders, New York Times, 16 June 2021 Second, in the macula, where most of the seeing takes place, the normally darker red of the vision center was obscured by a smear of yellow-gray material. — Lisa Sanders, New York Times, 16 June 2021 Another region on the retina, called the macula, is where most of the visual receptors are located. — Lisa Sanders, New York Times, 28 Oct. 2020 See More

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'macula.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

History and Etymology for macula

Middle English, borrowed from Latin, "stain, spot, blemish, one of the interstices of a net," of uncertain origin

Note: If macula goes back to *sma-tlā, then *sma- may represent an Indo-European base *smh₁- seen in Greek smáō, smân "to cleanse, wipe clean," smêma "ointment."

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Last Updated

3 Apr 2022

Cite this Entry

“Macula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macula. Accessed 22 May. 2022.

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More Definitions for macula

macula

noun

mac·u·la | \ ˈmak-yə-lə

plural maculae\ -ˌlē

, -ˌlī

\ also maculas

Medical Definition of macula

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 : macula acustica

b : a small yellowish area lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina that is made up mostly of cones, plays a key role in visual acuity, and has the fovea at its center

— called also macula lutea, yellow spot