macromolecule

noun

mac·​ro·​mol·​e·​cule ˌma-krō-ˈmä-li-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce macromolecule (audio)
: a very large molecule (as of a protein or rubber)
macromolecular adjective

Examples of macromolecule in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Due in part to its ability to pass on genetic information, the complex macromolecule, RNA (Ribonucleic Acid), was likely the ultimate precursor to life on earth. Bruce Dorminey, Forbes, 30 Oct. 2024 Proteins are versatile macromolecules involved in pretty much every cellular process, including cellular repair and maintenance. New Atlas, 21 Oct. 2024 The hero ingredient for both is chitosan, a complex macromolecule sourced from oyster mushrooms. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 30 Sep. 2024 Studying cell division requires simultaneously viewing nanometer-scale macromolecules like proteins and DNA all the way up to millimeter-scale populations of cells, and over a time frame that ranges from seconds to weeks. Somin Lee, The Conversation, 20 July 2023 Last year, the Curiosity rover identified two sites flush with complex organic macromolecules that resemble the goopy building blocks of oil on Earth. Daniel Clery, Science | AAAS, 21 Nov. 2019 Quantum theory works extremely well at the scale of photons, electrons, atoms, molecules, even macromolecules. Wired, 9 Dec. 2018 Last year, the Nobel Prize in Chemistry was given in part to Frances H. Arnold, who for decades has been studying macromolecules known as enzymes. David Grossman, Popular Mechanics, 2 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from German Makromolekel (later Makromolekül), from makro- macro- + Molekel, Molekül molecule

First Known Use

1924, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of macromolecule was in 1924

Dictionary Entries Near macromolecule

Cite this Entry

“Macromolecule.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/macromolecule. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

macromolecule

noun
mac·​ro·​mol·​e·​cule ˌmak-rō-ˈmäl-i-ˌkyü(ə)l How to pronounce macromolecule (audio)
: a very large molecule (as of a protein, nucleic acid, or rubber) built up from smaller chemical structures compare micromolecule
macromolecular adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on macromolecule

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