macronucleus

[ mak-roh-noo-klee-uh s, -nyoo- ]
/ ˌmæk roʊˈnu kli əs, -ˈnyu- /

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.
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

macromutation, macromyeloblast, macron, macronormoblast, macronucleate, macronucleus, macronutrient, macronychia, macroorganism, macropenis, macrophage

Example sentences from the Web for macronucleus

British Dictionary definitions for macronucleus

macronucleus
/ (ˌmækrəʊˈnjuːklɪəs) /

noun plural -clei (-klɪˌaɪ)

the larger of the two nuclei in ciliated protozoans Compare micronucleus

Medical definitions for macronucleus

macronucleus
[ măk′rō-nōō′klē-əs ]

n.

The larger of two nuclei present in ciliate protozoans, which controls the nonreproductive functions of the cell.

Other words from macronucleus

mac′ro•nu′cle•ar adj.