macroscopic

adjective

mac·​ro·​scop·​ic ˌma-krə-ˈskä-pik How to pronounce macroscopic (audio)
1
: observable by the naked eye
2
: involving large units or elements
macroscopically
ˌma-krə-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce macroscopic (audio)
adverb

Examples of macroscopic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the process, these seaweeds of macroscopic size release acid sulfuric, which pollutes the water, as well as methane gas. — Marshall Shepherd, Forbes.com, 9 Mar. 2026 Like the more famous graphene, boron nitride forms a series of interlinked hexagonal rings, extending out into macroscopic sheets. — ArsTechnica, 27 Feb. 2026 These electron pairs condense into a macroscopic state, which can be described by a collective phase variable shared by all its microscopic constituents. — Zhixin Wang, The Conversation, 10 Oct. 2025 One of the most striking things about modern physics is the stark divide between the macroscopic and quantum worlds, each of which seems to be governed by entirely different physical laws. — Tim Folger, Scientific American, 16 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for macroscopic

Word History

Etymology

macro- + -scopic (in microscopic)

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of macroscopic was in 1872

Rhymes for macroscopic

See All Rhymes for macroscopic

Browse Nearby Words

macrosclereid
macroscopic
macrosegment
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Macroscopic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macroscopic. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

macroscopic

adjective
mac·​ro·​scop·​ic ˌmak-rə-ˈskäp-ik How to pronounce macroscopic (audio)
: large enough to be observed by the naked eye
macroscopic animals

Medical Definition

macroscopic

adjective
mac·​ro·​scop·​ic ˌmak-rə-ˈskäp-ik How to pronounce macroscopic (audio)
: large enough to be observed by the naked eye compare microscopic sense 2, submicroscopic, ultramicroscopic sense 1
macroscopically
-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce macroscopic (audio)
adverb
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