macromolecule
|mac/ro/mol/e/cule|
C1
🇺🇸
/ˌmækroʊˈmɒlɪˌkjul/
🇬🇧
/ˌmæk.rəʊˈmɒl.ɪ.kjuːl/
large complex molecule
Etymology
Etymology Information
'macromolecule' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'makros,' meaning 'large,' and 'molecula,' a diminutive of 'moles,' meaning 'mass.'
Historical Evolution
'makros' combined with 'molecula' in scientific terminology to form the modern English word 'macromolecule.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it referred to any large molecule, but over time it has become more specific to biological and synthetic polymers.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a large complex molecule, such as a protein, nucleic acid, or synthetic polymer, composed of hundreds or thousands of atoms.
Proteins and nucleic acids are examples of macromolecules.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:42