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macula

macula

9.9
A flat spot on the skin that is a different color
  • noun
  • /ˈmæk.jə.lə/
  • Specialized
translation icon : mácula
  • A flat red macula appeared on his cheek after he developed the rash.

Examples

  • Multiple maculae across the patient's back indicated a possible skin infection.

  • The doctor examined the macula on her arm to determine the cause of discoloration.

  • The doctor diagnosed her with a macula on her skin.

  • He noticed a dark macula on his arm.

  • The doctor examined the macula on her arm to determine the cause of discoloration.

  • A flat red macula appeared on his cheek after he developed the rash.

  • He noticed a dark macula on his arm.

Synonyms

macule
vsmacula
  • Specialized
1 9.8

A flat patch of skin that is a different colour and not raised

is the same idea, expressed as a patch of skin rather than that term
maculation
vsmacula
  • Specialized
9.8

A small spot that looks different from its background

refers specifically to discolored skin patches rather than markings on other surfaces
mouche
vsmacula
  • Archaic
9.9

A small spot on a surface showing an imperfection

is a medical term for discolored skin patches rather than an archaic surface blemish

Compounds

macula lutea
  • Specialized
9.3

A small yellow area near the center of the retina that gives sharp central vision

Surface Forms

macula singular
maculas plural
maculae plural

Etymology

Macula comes from the Latin macula meaning 'spot' or 'stain', and in medicine it means a flat, discolored 'spot' on the skin rather than a raised bump. So a skin macula is just a 'spot' of different color, which is why doctors use that word.