English Lexicon

Macromolecule

/ˌmækroʊˈmɒlɪkjuːl/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    A very large molecule, typically formed by the joining of smaller molecules (monomers) through covalent bonds.

    "Proteins, nucleic acids, and polysaccharides are examples of macromolecules that play crucial roles in biological systems."
  2. 2

    Any of the large molecules necessary for life, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

    "Macromolecules such as DNA store genetic information in living organisms."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The term 'macromolecule' is derived from the prefix 'macro-', meaning large, and 'molecule', which comes from the Latin 'molecula', a diminutive of 'moles' meaning mass. The term began to be used in the early 20th century to describe large complex molecules essential to biological processes.

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