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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 �������ó��, meaning “long.” The Latin translation of �������ó�� 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 �������t¶��s That Use article about macr-.

A scientific term that features the form macro– is macrocyte, “an abnormally large red blood cell.”

The macro– part of the word macrocyte means “large,” as we have seen. The –cyte part of the word means “cell,” from Greek ��ý�ٴDz�. Macrocyte literally translates to “large cell.”

What are some words that use the combining form macro-?

• macroblast
• macrocosm (using the equivalent form of macro– in French)
• macrodactyly
• macroform
• macrolith
• macrophyll
• macrospore

What are some other forms that macro– may be commonly confused with?

• megalo-
• micr-
• micro-

The combining form –phyll means “leaf.” With this in mind, what does macrophyll literally mean?