Definition of MACULA

macula

Plural: maculae, maculas

Noun

  • a cooler darker spot appearing periodically on the sun's photosphere; associated with a strong magnetic field
  • a small yellowish central area of the retina that is rich in cones and that mediates clear detailed vision
  • a patch of skin that is discolored but not usually elevated; caused by various diseases
  • An oval yellow spot near the center of the retina of the human eye, histologically defined as having two or more layers of ganglion cells, responsible for detailed central vision.
  • A small chamber of the inner ear of certain vertebrates filled with endolymph and containing an otolith.
  • A spot, as on the skin, or on the surface of the sun or of some other luminous orb.
  • A rather large spot or blotch of color.
  • In planetary geology, an unusually dark area on the surface of a planet or moon.
  • pl. -LAE or -LAS a spot MACULAR adj

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English macula (“spot on the skin or in the eye”), borrowed from Latin macula (“spot, stain”). Doublet of macchia and macule.

Synonyms

macula lutea, macular area, macule, sunspot, yellow spot

Scrabble Score: 10

macula: valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
macula: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
macula: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

macula is a valid Words With Friends word