| macromolecule | Biological term relating to large molecules including, proteins, nucleic acids and carbohydrates, but probably not phospholipids. (18 Nov 1997) |
|---|---|
| macromonocyte | An unusually large monocyte. (05 Mar 2000) |
| macromyeloblast | An abnormally large myeloblast. (05 Mar 2000) |
| macronormoblast | 1. A large normoblast. 2. A large, incompletely haemoglobiniferous, nucleated red blood cell with a "cart-wheel" nucleus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| macronormochromoblast | A large erythroblast. Synonym: macronormochromoblast. (05 Mar 2000) |
| macronucleus | The larger nucleus (or sometimes nuclei) in ciliate protozoans. Derived from the micronucleus by a process of DNA polytenisation. The DNA in the macronucleus is actively transcribed. The macronucleus degenerates before conjugation. (18 Nov 1997) |
| macronutrients | Nutrients required in the greatest amount; e.g., carbohydrates, protein, fats. (05 Mar 2000) |
| macronychia | Abnormally large fingernails or toenails. Synonym: megalonychosis. Origin: macro-+ G. Onyx, nail (05 Mar 2000) |
| macroorchidism | Having abnormally large testes; seen in males with fragile X syndrome. Origin: macro-+ G. Orchis (orchid-), testicle (05 Mar 2000) |
| macroparasite | A parasite, such as a louse or an intestinal worm, that is visible to the naked eye. (05 Mar 2000) |
| macroparasites | <epidemiology> Typically, the parasitic helminths and arthropods. In general, parasites which do not multiply within their definitive hosts but instead produce transmission stages (eggs and larvae) which pass into the external environment. Immune responses elicited against macroparasites generally depend on the number of parasites present in a given host and tends to be of a relatively transient nature. The key epidemiological measurement is generally the number of parasites per host. Such parasites are often found in a highly aggregated distribution. Contrast microparasites. (05 Dec 1998) |
| macropathology | The phase of pathology that pertains to the gross anatomical changes in disease. (05 Mar 2000) |
| macropenis | An abnormally large penis. Synonym: macrophallus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| macropetalous | <botany> Having long or large petals. Origin: Macro- + petal. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| macrophage | Relatively long lived phagocytic cell of mammalian tissues, derived from blood monocyte. Macrophages from different sites have distinctly different properties. Main types are peritoneal and alveolar macrophages, tissue macrophages (histiocytes), Kupffer cells of the liver and osteoclasts. In response to foreign materials may become stimulated or activated. Macrophages play an important role in killing of some bacteria, protozoa and tumour cells, release substances that stimulate other cells of the immune system and are involved in antigen presentation. May further differentiate within chronic inflammatory lesions to epithelioid cells or may fuse to form foreign body giant cells or Langhans giant cells. (18 Nov 1997) |