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

With such slight masses, their quantum wave nature would manifest at macroscopic scales. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 26 Jan. 2025

The equation bridges thermodynamic entropy, which describes broad macroscopic features, and information entropy, which captures microscopic details. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024

Digital twin platforms can entail technical models such as a human heart model or a protein molecule to aid in drug development, or larger datasets across an entire population or community to inform macroscopic decisions. —Dr. Sai Balasubramanian, M.d., J.d., Forbes, 24 Jan. 2025

With even more time, even all macroscopic objects evaporate through quantum tunneling, and black holes shrink due to the emission of Hawking radiation. —Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 14 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

macro- + -scopic (in microscopic)

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for macroscopic

• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic
• isentropic
• isotopic
• isotropic
• microscopic
• orthotopic
• orthotropic

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