What it means
The beginning of words for something big. A macrophageMAK-roh-fayjA large white blood cell in the tissues that swallows and digests germs, dead cells and debris.macro- large-phage eaterFull entry is a large white blood cell that eats germs and debris; macrocytic anemia has red blood cells larger than normal; macronutrients (carbohydrate, protein, fat) are needed in large amounts; macrosomia is a very large newborn. Its opposite is micro-.
Easy to confuse with
micro-
A word beginning that means very small; in units, one millionth.
Related terms
megal/o
A word part that means large or enlarged.
macrophage
A large white blood cell in the tissues that swallows and digests germs, dead cells and debris.
micro-
A word beginning that means very small; in units, one millionth.