macula

[mak-yuh-luh] /ˈmæk yə lə/
noun, plural maculae
[mak-yuh-lee] /ˈmæk yəˌli/ (Show IPA)
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.
Origin
1350-1400; Middle English < Latin: spot, blemish
Related forms
macular, adjective
multimacular, adjective
Examples from the web for macula
  • The macula is the part of the eye that is responsible for sight in the center of the field of vision.
  • The macula sits in the center of the retina of the eye.
  • The doctor will look for specific changes in the macula and blood vessels.
  • Central vision becomes severely affected if the macula, the part of the retina responsible for fine vision, becomes detached.
  • While cataracts can be removed surgically, there is no way to reverse damage to the macula, the area in the center of the retina.
  • These blood vessels leak blood and fluid and cause the retina and the macula to swell.
British Dictionary definitions for macula

macula

/ˈmækjʊlə/
noun (anatomy) (pl) -ulae (-jʊˌliː), -ules
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
Derived Forms
macular, adjective
Word Origin
C14: from Latin
Word Origin and History for macula
n.

plural maculae, from Latin macula "spot, stain," used of various spots (sunspots, markings on minerals, etc.), of uncertain origin. Especially the macula lutea in the eye.

macula in Medicine

macula mac·u·la (māk'yə-lə)
n. pl. mac·u·las or mac·u·lae (-lē')

  1. Also mac·ule (-yōōl') A spot, stain, or blemish, especially an area of discoloration on the skin caused by excess or lack of pigment.

  2. A small area distinguishable from the surrounding tissue.

  3. The macula lutea.

mac'u·lar adj.
macula in Science
macula
  (māk'yə-lə)   
Plural maculae (māk'yə-lē') or maculas

  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.