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

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Examples of macula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Other carotenoids are found in our kidneys, livers skin, immune system, fat cells and so on, but lutein and zeaxanthin are the main carotenoids in our macula (the vision center of the eye) and brain. — Daphne Miller, Washington Post, "Lutein supplements are everywhere. Here’s what you need to know about this nutrient.," 23 Sep. 2019 The back of the eye, called the retina, has a delicate central area known as the macula. — Time, "How Wearing Sunglasses Actually Impacts Your Eyes, According to Science," 26 Aug. 2019 This image shows a mosaic of cells within the utricular macula—the thin membrane within the ear that helps maintain balance. — Jennifer Leman, Scientific American, "The Brain in Images: Top Entries in the Art of Neuroscience," 29 July 2019 The macula is responsible for the straight-ahead vision used for things like reading, driving, and seeing faces. — Korin Miller, SELF, "This Is How Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes," 8 Nov. 2018 Then there’s the related condition diabetic macular edema (DME), a repercussion of diabetic retinopathy that causes a buildup of fluid in a part of the retina called the macula, the NEI explains. — Korin Miller, SELF, "This Is How Diabetes Can Affect Your Eyes," 8 Nov. 2018 The disease causes weakening of the macula, which is the small area at the center of the retina, which is specialized for fine vision. — Andrea K. Mcdaniels, baltimoresun.com, "Ask the Expert: Macular degeneration can lead to difficulty reading, recognizing faces and performing other fine tasks," 17 Apr. 2018 Bleeding and swelling of the macula results in macular edema and eventually, maculopathy, while starvation of the retina leads to a chain-reaction of negative events that eventually results in diabetic retinopathy. — Jewish Journal, "Taking a stand against hookah smoking on Passover, or anytime," 12 Mar. 2018 This condition leads to a loss of sharp vision in the center of the retina (the macula). — Joe, The Seattle Times, "Saffron supplement may save eyesight," 28 Jan. 2018

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.

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Last Updated

25 Nov 2019

Cite this Entry

“Macula.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macula. Accessed 22 January 2020.

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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