macromolecule

[ mak-ruh-mol-uh-kyool ]

noun

, Chemistry.

1. a very large molecule, as a colloidal particle, protein, or especially a polymer, composed of hundreds or thousands of atoms.

macromolecule

/ ˌmækrəʊˈmɒlɪˌkjuːl; ˌmækrəʊməˈlɛkjʊlə /

noun

1. any very large molecule, such as a protein or synthetic polymer

macromolecule

/ măk′rō-mŏl′ĭ-kyo̅o̅l′ /

1. A large molecule, such as a protein, consisting of many smaller molecules linked together.

Derived Forms

• macromolecular, adjective

Other Words From

• mac·ro·mo·lec·u·lar [mak-roh-m, uh, -, lek, -y, uh, -ler], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macromolecule¹

First recorded in 1885–90; macro- + molecule

Example Sentences

Plants and animals living in coral reefs release various substances, from complex macromolecules to individual amino acids, into the surrounding water.

From Science Daily

Ring polymers are macromolecules composed of repeating units, forming closed loops without free ends.

From Science Daily

Its nuclear envelope prevents unwanted proteins or harmful viruses from entering the nucleus and macromolecules from an uncontrolled escape.

From Science Daily

Self-replication has been postulated to be central to the emergence of life, but the vast majority of its known manifestations require complex macromolecules like enzymes.

From Science Daily

In contrast to conventional detectors, they can also distinguish macromolecules by their impact energy.

From Science Daily