macromolecules
|mac-ro-mol-e-cule|
🇺🇸
/ˌmækroʊˈmɑlɪkjuːl/
🇬🇧
/ˌmækrəʊˈmɒlɪkjuːl/
(macromolecule)
large complex molecule
Etymology
'macromolecule' originates from modern English combining the prefix 'macro-' (from Greek 'makros' meaning 'large') and 'molecule' (ultimately from Latin 'molecula' meaning 'small mass').
'molecule' came into English via French 'molécule' from Latin 'molecula' (a diminutive of 'moles' meaning 'mass'); the compound 'macromolecule' was formed in modern scientific English (late 19th to 20th century) to denote very large molecules.
Initially built from elements meaning 'large' + 'small mass', the term evolved to mean 'a very large molecule' specifically used in chemistry and biology for polymers like proteins and nucleic acids.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a very large molecule, typically formed by the polymerization of smaller subunits; common examples include proteins, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA), and many synthetic polymers.
Macromolecules such as proteins and DNA are essential for the structure and function of living cells.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/09/28 05:38