macular degeneration

noun

: progressive deterioration of the macula resulting in a gradual loss of the central part of the visual field
especially : age-related macular degeneration

Examples of macular degeneration 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.
Despite having macular degeneration, Jim Rush still walks 4 to 5 miles a day. — Sydney Page The Washington Post, Arkansas Online, 22 Mar. 2026 Williams was also legally blind from macular degeneration, which forced him after 2005 to give up his beloved art and turn instead to writing. — Denise Crosby, Chicago Tribune, 22 Feb. 2026 Taking those summaries, Robin then formed a series of hypotheses about disease mechanisms for macular degeneration and used these tools to provide a detailed report on the evidence for each mechanism. — ArsTechnica, 19 May 2026 Painter Georgia O’Keefe worked into her 90s despite nearly going blind from macular degeneration. — Jed Gottlieb, Boston Herald, 17 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for macular degeneration

Word History

First Known Use

1902, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macular degeneration was in 1902

Rhymes for macular degeneration

See All Rhymes for macular degeneration

Browse Nearby Words

macula lutea
macular degeneration
maculate
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Cite this Entry

“Macular degeneration.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macular%20degeneration. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

macular degeneration

noun
: progressive deterioration of the macula of the eye resulting in a gradual loss of the central part of the visual field
especially : age-related macular degeneration

More from Merriam-Webster on macular degeneration

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about macular degeneration

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