macro

¹

[mak-roh]

adjective

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

2. of or relating to macroeconomics.

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

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.

macro

¹

/ 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

macro-

²

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

macro–

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of macro¹

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

Origin of macro²

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of macro¹

from Greek makros large; compare Latin macer _meagre

Example Sentences

These macro issues are worrisome, but there is a quiet and surprisingly more personal danger: AI makes us boring.

From Salon

These losses add to a bleak macro picture: federal tax revenues have barely grown in the first four months, compared with a 20% jump last year, while spending is already up more than 20%.

From BBC

Those are so tactical that they’re not big enough for us to see in our macro statistics.

From Los Angeles Times

But if you want to go further, you can: jot down allergens, ingredients or even nutrition info—macros, Weight Watchers points, whatever matters to you.

From Salon

It was captured by macro wildlife photographer Bidyut Kalita and was among the highly commended entries in this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

From BBC

Related Words

• broad 
• extensive 
• large 
• large-scale 

When To Use

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-.