macro

¹ American  

[mak-roh] / ˈmæk roʊ /

adjective

1. very large in scale, scope, or capability.

2. of or relating to macroeconomics.

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noun

plural

macros

1. anything very large in scale, scope, or capability.

2. Photography. a macro lens.

3. Also called macroinstruction.  Computers. an instruction that represents a sequence of instructions in abbreviated form.

4. macroeconomics.

macro- ² American  

especially before a vowel, macr-.

1. a combining form meaning “large,” “long,” “great,” “excessive,” used in the formation of compound words, contrasting with micro-: macrocosm; macrofossil; macrograph; macroscopic.

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macro ¹ British  

/ ˈmækrəʊ /

noun

1. a macro lens

2. Also: macro instruction.  a single computer instruction that initiates a set of instructions to perform a specific task

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macro- ² British  

combining form

1. large, long, or great in size or duration

   macroscopic

2. (in pathology) indicating abnormal enlargement or overdevelopment Compare micro-

   macrocyte

3. producing larger than life images

   macrophotography

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macro– Scientific  

1. A prefix meaning “large,” as in macromolecule, a large molecule.

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Usage

What does macro- mean? Macro- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “large; long; great; excessive.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology.Macro- comes from Greek makrós, meaning “long.” The Latin translation of makrós is longus, also meaning “long,” which is the source of terms such as longanimity and longitude. To learn more, check out our entries for both words.What are variants of macro-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, macro- becomes macr-, as in macrencephaly. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about macr-.

Etymology

Origin of macro¹

Independent use of macro-, taken as an adjective, or by shortening of words with macro- as initial element

Origin of macro-¹

< Greek makro-, combining form of makrós long; cognate with Latin macer lean; meager

Example Sentences

The weakness reflects “profit-taking as broader risk assets paused and traders looked ahead to key macro data,” IG analysts said in a note Thursday.

From Barron's

“The trifecta of rich valuations, increasing macro risk, and—perhaps most importantly—deteriorating company fundamentals is very dangerous,” the authors wrote.

From Barron's

The weakness reflects “profit-taking as broader risk assets paused and traders looked ahead to key macro data,” IG analysts said in a note Thursday.

From Barron's

“If the macro environment and trade policy continue to stabilize, 2026 has the potential to be the best issuance window in years,” PwC Intelligence noted in a recent outlook report.

From Barron's

Furthermore, the biggest risks on the macro side stem from either a deterioration in growth or a hawkish shift in the interest-rate outlook, but neither appears likely, they say.

From MarketWatch

Related Words

• broad
• extensive
• large
• large-scale