Macroscopic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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macroscopic
[ˌmak.rəˈskɑːp.ɪk ]
Definitions
science
Visible to the naked eye; not microscopic.
Synonyms
apparent, large-scale, observable, visible.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| macroscopic |
Used in scientific or technical discussions to describe objects or phenomena large enough to be visible to the naked eye.
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| visible |
Used to describe something that can be seen with the eyes, generally in everyday conversation.
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| large-scale |
Used to describe something that is extensive or covers a large area or amount.
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| observable |
Used when describing something that can be seen or noticed, often in a scientific or formal setting.
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| apparent |
Used when something is clearly visible or obvious, often in a general sense.
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Examples of usage
- The macroscopic world consists of objects that we can see without the aid of a microscope.
- Macroscopic observations are crucial in many scientific fields such as biology and geology.
- The macroscopic view of the universe reveals its vastness and complexity.
- Macroscopic analysis involves studying phenomena on a large scale.
- In physics, macroscopic properties describe the behavior of matter in bulk quantities.
medicine
Relating to or involving large structures or systems, such as organs or tissues.
Synonyms
gross, organ-level, structural, tissue-level.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| macroscopic |
Used when describing objects, structures, or phenomena that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye.
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| structural |
Used when referring to the arrangement, organization, or physical form of something, particularly in biology, engineering, and architecture.
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| organ-level |
Used when discussing aspects, structures, or functions that pertain to entire organs within an organism.
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| tissue-level |
Used in biological or medical contexts to describe observations, processes, or analysis focused on the cellular and tissue level, rather than whole organs.
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| gross |
Often used in medical or scientific contexts to describe features that are visible without the aid of a microscope, but can also imply a lack of detail or refinement. It is sometimes used with negative connotations.
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Examples of usage
- Macroscopic examination of the tissue revealed abnormalities.
- The doctor performed a macroscopic analysis of the patient's organs.
- Macroscopic changes in the body can indicate underlying health issues.
- Studying macroscopic anatomy helps in understanding the human body.
- Macroscopic injuries are visible to the naked eye.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In biology, macroscopic refers to organisms like mammals and birds, while microscopic pertains to bacteria and viruses.
- In chemistry, macroscopic properties are observable traits like color, boiling point, and state of matter.
- Macroscopic observations in physics can involve studying large structures such as galaxies or the human body.
Pop Culture
- In media, macroscopic views are often dramatized for effect, such as scenes showing cityscapes or massive landscape shots in films.
- Some science fiction novels utilize macroscopic themes to explore civilizations or ecosystems on a grand scale.
- The term has been featured in educational podcasts, highlighting the importance of viewing things from a larger perspective.
Psychology
- Macroscopic thinking in psychology can help individuals see the 'bigger picture' when solving problems.
- This type of perspective encourages holistic approaches in therapy, focusing on overall well-being rather than just symptoms.
- Macroscopic observations can also relate to social behavior studies, where researchers examine group dynamics and societal trends.
Literature
- The use of macroscopic descriptions in literature allows authors to create vivid settings, immersing readers in the world they build.
- Poets often employ macroscopic imagery to connect emotions and ideas to grand themes like nature or life cycles.
- In storytelling, narrators might shift between macroscopic and microscopic details to highlight contrasts between personal and universal experiences.
Origin of 'macroscopic'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'macroscopic' comes from Greek roots: 'makros' meaning large and 'skopos' meaning viewer or observer.
- It was introduced in the 19th century to describe objects visible to the naked eye, in contrast to microscopes that focus on tiny things.
- This word has been used in biology to differentiate between organisms you can see and those you need a microscope to view.
The word 'macroscopic' originated from the Greek word 'makros', meaning large, and the word 'scopic', meaning relating to seeing or sight. It first appeared in the mid-19th century in the field of microscopy to refer to objects that are visible to the naked eye. Over time, the term expanded to various scientific disciplines, including medicine, physics, and biology, to describe phenomena on a large scale. Today, 'macroscopic' is commonly used in scientific contexts to distinguish visible objects or structures from those that require magnification for observation.