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-²

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

Example Sentences

Management made positive commentary about the domestic economy earlier this month, “representing a shift from several quarters of emphasizing persistent macro softness, though geopolitical risks remain a consideration,” Kuhn says.

From The Wall Street Journal

For the current fiscal year, the company forecast adjusted earnings of $3.05 to $3.13 a share, although it noted consumer and macro uncertainty due to global trade policies and the war in the Middle East.

From Barron's

The analyst note that it’s “premature” to add equity exposure aggressively, as markets are still adjusting to the evolving macro impact.

From The Wall Street Journal

Ireland and Luxembourg, two asset management hubs that have jealously guarded their national regimes, “gave in by early this year,” says Davide Oneglia, director of European and global macro at TS Lombard.

From Barron's

China’s falling birthrate has long been treated as a macro problem: fewer workers, more retirees, slower growth.

From Barron's

Related Words

• broad
• extensive
• large
• large-scale