macronucleus

[mak-roh-noo-klee-uhs, -nyoo-]

noun

Biology.

1. the larger of the two types of nuclei nucleus occurring in ciliate protozoans, having a multiple set of chromosomes and functioning in cell metabolism and protein synthesis.

macronucleus

/ ˌmækrəʊˈnjuːklɪəs /

noun

1. the larger of the two nuclei in ciliated protozoans Compare micronucleus

Other Word Forms

• macronuclear adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macronucleus¹

From New Latin, dating back to 1890–95; macro-, nucleus