macula

[ mak-yuh-luh ]

noun

, plural mac·u·lae [mak, -y, uh, -lee].

1. a spot or blotch, especially on one's skin; macule.
2. Ophthalmology.
   1. an opaque spot on the cornea.
   2. Also called macula lutea, yellow spot. an irregularly oval, yellow-pigmented area on the central retina, containing color-sensitive rods and the central point of sharpest vision.

macula

/ ˈmækjʊlə; ˈmækjuːl /

noun

1. a small spot or area of distinct colour, esp the macula lutea
2. any small discoloured spot or blemish on the skin, such as a freckle

macula

/ măk′yə-lə /

, Plural maculae măk′yə-lē′

1. A minute yellowish area located near the center of the retina of the eye, at which visual perception is most acute.
2. A discolored spot on the skin that is not elevated above the surface.

Derived Forms

• ˈmacular, adjective

Other Words From

• macu·lar adjective
• multi·macu·lar adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of macula¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin: spot, blemish

Word History and Origins

Origin of macula¹

C14: from Latin

Example Sentences

She had already lost central vision in her right eye when, three years ago, the sight in her left eye suddenly deteriorated aggressively, caused by a condition called wet macula degeneration.

From BBC

Excessive vascular growth damages the macula, the part of the eye that translates light into image signals.

From Science Daily

According to the RNIB, Stargardt disease is an inherited eye condition that affects the macula, the central part of the retina, and causes a reduction in vision there.

From BBC

But mouse retinas lack the macula, a key region found in human eyes that picks out fine details, so they are not an ideal model.

From Scientific American

“These are all rich in lutein and zeaxanthin, two nutrients that protect your macula,” she says.

From Washington Post

Related Words

• blot
• blotch
• bruise
• discoloration
• freckle
• imperfection
• pimple
• scar
• smudge
• snag
• stain
• stigma
• wart