macro

¹

[mak-roh]

adjective

1. very large in scale, scope, or capability.

2. of or relating to macroeconomics.

noun

plural

macros 

1. anything very large in scale, scope, or capability.

2. Photography.,  a macro lens.

3. Also called macroinstruction. Computers.,  an instruction that represents a sequence of instructions in abbreviated form.

4. macroeconomics.

macro-

²

especially before a vowel, macr-.

1. a combining form meaning “large,” “long,” “great,” “excessive,” used in the formation of compound words, contrasting with micro-: macrocosm; macrofossil; macrograph; macroscopic.

macro

¹

/ ˈmækrəʊ /

noun

1. a macro lens

2. Also: macro instruction. a single computer instruction that initiates a set of instructions to perform a specific task

macro-

²

combining form

1. large, long, or great in size or duration

   macroscopic

2. (in pathology) indicating abnormal enlargement or overdevelopment Compare micro-

   macrocyte

3. producing larger than life images

   macrophotography

macro–

1. A prefix meaning “large,” as in macromolecule, a large molecule.

Word History and Origins

Origin of macro–¹

Independent use of macro-, taken as an adjective, or by shortening of words with macro- as initial element

Origin of macro–²

< Greek makro-, combining form of makrós long; cognate with Latin macer lean; meager

Word History and Origins

Origin of macro–¹

from Greek makros large; compare Latin macer _meagre

Example Sentences

It was captured by macro wildlife photographer Bidyut Kalita and was among the highly commended entries in this year's Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition.

From BBC

But Ben May, Director of global macro forecasting at Oxford Economics, says that US tariffs had the capacity to "damage" the global economy in several ways.

From BBC

"Tariffs are accelerating two macro trends: slowing of trade between China and the West, and accelerating trade between China... and emerging Asian countries."

From BBC

I wanted to play with those two stories, the macro and the personal.

From Los Angeles Times

“The macro environment may be uncertain, but with our actions, we will emerge as an even stronger, more nimble UPS.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• broad 
• extensive 
• large 
• large-scale 

When To Use

What does macro- mean?

Macro- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “large; long; great; excessive.” It is often used in scientific terms, especially in biology.Macro- comes from Greek makrós, meaning “long.” The Latin translation of makrós is longus, also meaning “long,” which is the source of terms such as longanimity and longitude. To learn more, check out our entries for both words.What are variants of macro-?When combined with words or word elements that begin with a vowel, macro- becomes macr-, as in macrencephaly. Want to know more? Read our Words That Use article about macr-.