macula

noun

mac·​u·​la ˈma-kyə-lə How to pronounce macula (audio)
plural maculae ˈma-kyə-ˌlē How to pronounce macula (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce macula (audio) also maculas
1
: spot, blotch
especially : macule
2
a
: an anatomical structure having the form of a spot differentiated from surrounding tissues
b
: a small yellowish area lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina that is made up mostly of cones (see cone entry 1 sense 3a), plays a key role in visual acuity, and has the fovea at its center

called also macula lutea, yellow spot

macular
ˈma-kyə-lər How to pronounce macula (audio)
adjective

Examples of macula 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.
The antioxidants build up in the macula, which is the part of your eye that controls sharp, central vision. — Lindsay Curtis, Health, 12 Nov. 2025 The macula, the central part of the retina, is responsible for sharp vision. — Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 28 Oct. 2025 The condition develops when fluid builds up in the macula — the central portion of the retina at the back of the eye, where vision is sharpest. — Samantha Agate, Charlotte Observer, 1 May 2026 The macula, part of the retina needed for sharp vision, may become distorted, causing blurry sight. — Liz Szabo, Scientific American, 14 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for macula

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, borrowed from Latin, "stain, spot, blemish, one of the interstices of a net," of uncertain origin

Note: If macula goes back to *sma-tlā, then *sma- may represent an Indo-European base *smh1- seen in Greek smáō, smân "to cleanse, wipe clean," smêma "ointment."

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of macula was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing macula

Rhymes for macula

See All Rhymes for macula

Browse Nearby Words

macul-
macula
maculacy
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Cite this Entry

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

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Medical Definition

macula

noun
mac·​u·​la ˈmak-yə-lə How to pronounce macula (audio)
plural maculae -ˌlē How to pronounce macula (audio) -ˌlī How to pronounce macula (audio) also maculas
1
: a spot or blotch
especially : macule sense 2
2
: an anatomical structure having the form of a spot differentiated from surrounding tissues: as
a
: macula acustica
b
: a small yellowish area lying slightly lateral to the center of the retina that is made up mostly of cones, plays a key role in visual acuity, and has the fovea at its center

called also macula lutea, yellow spot

More from Merriam-Webster on macula

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about macula

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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