macula

Meaning

1. An oval yellow spot near the center of the retina of the human eye, histologically defined as having two or more layers of ganglion cells, responsible for detailed central vision.
2. A small chamber of the inner ear of certain vertebrates filled with endolymph and containing an otolith.
3. A spot, as on the skin, or on the surface of the sun or of some other luminous orb.
4. A rather large spot or blotch of color.
5. In planetary geology, an unusually dark area on the surface of a planet or moon.

Synonyms

macule

sunspot

yellow spot

macula lutea

spot

blot

speckle

smudge

blemish

defect

macular area

maculation

fleck

speck

point

shortage

shortcoming

slur

smear

smirch

smut

splotch

spottiness

stain

stigma

taint

tare

tache

dark spot

measles

punctum

magma chamber

macula corneae

dark stain

dark speck

blip

blister

blur

dapple

deficiency

disadvantage

dot

drawback

falling

flaw

handicap

moil

patch

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈmækjʊlə/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: macula

In summary

From Middle English macula (“spot on the skin or in the eye”), borrowed from Latin macula (“spot, stain”). Doublet of macchia and macule.