macronucleus

[ mak-roh-noo-klee-uhs, -nyoo- ]

/ ˌmæk roʊˈnu kli əs, -ˈnyu- /

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noun Biology.

the larger of the two types of nuclei occurring in ciliate protozoans, having a multiple set of chromosomes and functioning in cell metabolism and protein synthesis.

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Compare micronucleus.

Origin of macronucleus

From New Latin, dating back to 1890–95; see origin at macro-, nucleus

OTHER WORDS FROM macronucleus

mac·ro·nu·cle·ar, adjective

Words nearby macronucleus

macromolecule, macromutant, macromutation, macron, macronucleate, macronucleus, macronutrient, macroorganism, macrophage, macrophagous, macrophotography

How to use macronucleus in a sentence

The macronucleus is usually dorsal, elliptical, and cleft, with one micronucleus attached.
Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole|Gary N. Calkins
The macronucleus is usually double, rarely single or quadruple, but may occasionally break into numerous smaller pieces.
Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole|Gary N. Calkins
The macronucleus is horseshoe-shaped or ovoid and is situated in the posterior half of the body.
Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole|Gary N. Calkins
The macronucleus is spheroidal and placed near the center of the body; a conspicuous micronucleus lies near it.
Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole|Gary N. Calkins

The macronucleus is globular and central, occasionally band-form and with numerous attached micronuclei.
Marine Protozoa from Woods Hole|Gary N. Calkins

British Dictionary definitions for macronucleus

macronucleus

/ (ˌmækrəʊˈnjuːklɪəs) /

noun plural -clei (-klɪˌaɪ)

the larger of the two nuclei in ciliated protozoansCompare micronucleus

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012