macula

noun

mac·​u·​la ˈma-kyə-lə How to pronounce macula (audio)
plural maculae ˈma-kyə-ˌlē How to pronounce macula (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce macula (audio) 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 adjective

Examples of macula in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The development of blind spots or a central gray, black, or blurry area can indicate damage to the macula. Team Verywell Health, Verywell Health, 3 Apr. 2025 According to the National Eye Institute, AMD occurs when aging causes damage to the macula, which controls sharp, straight-ahead vision, making one's central vision blurry. Ingrid Vasquez, People.com, 1 Apr. 2025 Treatments for Diabetic Macular Edema The goal of treatment for DME is to reduce swelling in the macula, improve and preserve vision, and prevent further vision loss. Lindsay Curtis, Health, 28 Mar. 2025 The disease comes in two main forms: dry (more common) and wet, which is when abnormal blood vessels grow under the macula and can cause more rapid vision loss. Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 29 Jan. 2025 See All Example Sentences for macula

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of macula was in the 15th century

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Macula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macula. Accessed 8 Apr. 2025.

Medical Definition

macula

noun
mac·​u·​la ˈmak-yə-lə How to pronounce macula (audio)
plural maculae -ˌlē How to pronounce macula (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce macula (audio) 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
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

More from Merriam-Webster on macula

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