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  

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 ² 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– 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 stock is aligned with the current macro environment.

From Barron's

Druckenmiller, 72, a highly influential, long-short macro investor with a sterling track record, has been critical of fiscal policy and particularly Fed policy in recent years.

From Barron's

“The history of yen intervention is littered with stories of limited or temporary success, especially when authorities are fighting strong underlying macro forces,” he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

To be sure, the coffee chain faces a range of risks, from macro consumer pressure to rising lease costs—a headwind that Wall Street may be underestimating, said Tower.

From Barron's

“The Bank of Canada is not under pressure to raise rates or lower them,” said Dominique Lapointe, senior director of macro strategy at Manulife Wealth & Asset Management.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• broad
• extensive
• large
• large-scale