definitions

macro-

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

RELATED CONTENT

epic failRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE
desuRead more in this article about some frequently asked questions and fun facts related to our definitions.
READ MORE

Nearby words

macramé, macready, macrencephaly, macro, macro lens, macro-, macroadenoma, macroaggregated albumin, macroamylase, macroamylasemia, macrobiosis
Also especially before a vowel, macr-.

Origin of macro-

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

Can be confused

macro- micro-
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for macro-

macro-

before a vowel macr-

combining form

large, long, or great in size or durationmacroscopic
(in pathology) indicating abnormal enlargement or overdevelopmentmacrocyte Compare micro- (def. 5)
producing larger than life imagesmacrophotography

Word Origin for macro-

from Greek makros large; compare Latin macer meagre
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medicine definitions for macro-

macro-

pref.

Large:macronucleus.
Long:macrobiotic.
Inclusive:macroamylase.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.

Science definitions for macro-

macro-

A prefix meaning “large,” as in macromolecule, a large molecule.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.