macronucleus

noun

mac·​ro·​nu·​cle·​us ˌma-krō-ˈnü-klē-əs 

-ˈnyü-

: a relatively large densely staining nucleus of most ciliate protozoans that is derived from micronuclei and controls various nonreproductive functions

macronuclear

ˌmak-rō-ˈnü-klē-ər 

-ˈnyü-

 nonstandard  -kyə-lər

adjective

Word History

Etymology

macro- + nucleus

First Known Use

1887, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

macronucleus

noun

mac·​ro·​nu·​cle·​us ˌmak-rō-ˈn(y)ü-klē-əs 

plural macronuclei -ˌī  also macronucleuses

: a relatively large densely staining nucleus of most ciliate protozoans that is derived from micronuclei and controls various nonreproductive functions compare micronucleus

macronuclear

ˌmak-rō-ˈn(y)ü-klē-ər 

adjective