macula

noun

mac·​u·​la ˈma-kyə-lə 

plural maculae ˈma-kyə-ˌlē  -ˌlī  also maculas

1

: spot, blotch

especially : macule

2

a

: 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

macular

ˈma-kyə-lər 

adjective

Examples of macula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

On examination, subretinal fluid or hemorrhage, retinal swelling, and drusen (yellow deposits) in the macula are often evident. —Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025

Because of the fluid buildup, a bulge forms in the macula. —Ed Masley, The Arizona Republic, 5 Dec. 2024

Asparagus is a good source of two antioxidants called lutein and zeaxanthin, which help support the part of your eye’s retina called the macula. —Caroline Hopkins Legaspi, New York Times, 14 Apr. 2025

The macula is the center of the retina, the light-sensitive tissue layer located in the back of the eye. —Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

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."

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing macula

• macula lutea

Medical Definition

macula

noun

mac·​u·​la ˈmak-yə-lə 

plural maculae -ˌlē  -ˌlī  also maculas

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