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

“While those folks concentrated in the assets are feeling a lot of pain, the macro implications look pretty minimal,” said Bob Elliott, chief executive of Unlimited Funds.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Overall: Aligned with a positive macro regime with selective, income-seeking markets thanks to low volatility and improving technicals—but fundamental cleanup remains the gating factor for sustained rerating.

Read more on Barron's

While not immune to the macro challenges, wealthier households have had more leeway to spend.

Read more on Barron's

Until more information flows through the market, it will be difficult to fully answer macro questions—even though the market has exhibited robustness in recent sessions.

Read more on Barron's

While not immune to the macro challenges, wealthier households have had more leeway to spend.

Read more on Barron's

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-.