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

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

When this happens, the eye tries to grow new blood vessels that are prone to leaking or bleeding into the macula. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 28 Mar. 2025

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

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