macule

noun

mac·​ule ˈma-(ˌ)kyül 

: a patch of skin that is altered in color but usually not elevated

… erythema migrans is defined as a skin lesion that typically begins as a red macule or papule and expands over a period of days to weeks to form a large round lesion, often with partial central clearing.

—Carrie D. Tibbles et al.

Examples of macule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Vitiligo Symptoms The only symptom of vitiligo is the appearance of patches of depigmented skin, called macules. —Emily Kirkpatrick, Peoplemag, 25 May 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from French, "spot, stain, birthmark," going back to Middle French, borrowed from Latin macula "stain, spot, blemish" — more at macula

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

macule

noun

mac·​ule ˈmak-(ˌ)yü(ə)l 

1

: macula sense 2

2

: a patch of skin that is altered in color but usually not elevated

Target-like macules with a dusky center are usually pathognomonic for the disorder but may not always be present.

—Barry Ladizinski and Kachiu C. Lee, The Journal of the American Medical Association

The lesions begin as 1 to 3 mm macules that gradually become confluent, assuming a reticulated lacelike pattern.

—Pearl E. Grimes, Scientific American Medicine Bulletin