macula
noun
mac·u·la
ˈma-kyə-lə 
plural maculae
ˈma-kyə-ˌlē
-ˌlī
also maculas
-ˌlī
also maculas
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
Examples of macula in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Diabetic macular edema: This is characterized by swelling of your macula, the part of the retina responsible for central vision.
—
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 July 2024
This occurs when the macula, a part of the retina, is damaged.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2024
Effectiveness of Targeted Spectroscopy A recent study on the eye has shown that ocular spectroscopy can effectively analyze different eye regions, such as the optic disc, blood vessels, retina, and macula, by identifying distinct spectral signatures.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
While there’s currently no treatment for macular degeneration, eating healthy diet high in antioxidants (like vitamin C) and quitting smoking both help to support the cells of the macula, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
—Meghan Rabbitt, Good Housekeeping, 14 Oct. 2021
See all Example Sentences for macula 
Lindsay Curtis, Health, 18 July 2024
This occurs when the macula, a part of the retina, is damaged.
—Avery Hurt, Discover Magazine, 29 Apr. 2024
Effectiveness of Targeted Spectroscopy A recent study on the eye has shown that ocular spectroscopy can effectively analyze different eye regions, such as the optic disc, blood vessels, retina, and macula, by identifying distinct spectral signatures.
—William A. Haseltine, Forbes, 15 Feb. 2024
While there’s currently no treatment for macular degeneration, eating healthy diet high in antioxidants (like vitamin C) and quitting smoking both help to support the cells of the macula, according to the American Macular Degeneration Foundation.
—Meghan Rabbitt, Good Housekeeping, 14 Oct. 2021
See all Example Sentences for macula
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'macula.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Macula.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macula. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.
Copy CitationMedical Definition
macula
noun
mac·u·la
ˈmak-yə-lə
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
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