macula

American  

[mak-yuh-luh] / ˈmæk yə lə /

noun

plural

maculae

1. a spot or blotch, especially on one's skin; macule.

2. Ophthalmology.

   1. an opaque spot on the cornea.

   2. Also called macula lutea, yellow spot.  an irregularly oval, yellow-pigmented area on the central retina, containing color-sensitive rods and the central point of sharpest vision.

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macula British  

/ ˈmækjʊlə, ˈmækjuːl /

noun

1. a small spot or area of distinct colour, esp the macula lutea

2. any small discoloured spot or blemish on the skin, such as a freckle

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macula Scientific  

/ măk′yə-lə /

plural

maculae

1. A minute yellowish area located near the center of the retina of the eye, at which visual perception is most acute.

2. A discolored spot on the skin that is not elevated above the surface.

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Other Word Forms

• macular adjective
• multimacular adjective

Etymology

Origin of macula

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: spot, blemish

Example Sentences

It affects the macula, the central region of the retina that contains tightly packed cells used for sharp, detailed color vision.

From Science Daily

Dry AMD gradually destroys the light-sensitive cells of the macula, eroding central vision over time.

From Science Daily

She had already lost central vision in her right eye when, three years ago, the sight in her left eye suddenly deteriorated aggressively, caused by a condition called wet macula degeneration.

From BBC

Excessive vascular growth damages the macula, the part of the eye that translates light into image signals.

From Science Daily

According to the RNIB, Stargardt disease is an inherited eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina, and causes a reduction in vision there.

From BBC

Related Words

• blot
• blotch
• bruise
• discoloration
• freckle
• imperfection
• pimple
• scar
• smudge
• snag
• stain
• stigma
• wart