macroscopic

adjective

mac·​ro·​scop·​ic ˌma-krə-ˈskä-pik 

1

: observable by the naked eye

2

: involving large units or elements

macroscopically

ˌma-krə-ˈskä-pi-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of macroscopic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This material is where all the atoms in a gas occupy the exact same quantum state, producing weird quantum effects at unusually macroscopic scales. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 8 Oct. 2026

Now, this is what happens in Leggett-Garg tests of macroscopic realism. — Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2026

Turning the quantum vacuum into a control knob The challenge is that vacuum fluctuations are normally far too weak to noticeably influence the collective behavior of a macroscopic material. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 22 Aug. 2026

At least once a week, Dahrouge or Goetz goes to nearby wetlands, stirs shin-deep water and collects silty samples filled with arthropods, daphnia and other macroscopic critters the salamanders will eat. — Nathan Rott, NPR, 27 May 2026

Word History

Etymology

macro- + -scopic (in microscopic)

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for macroscopic

• allotropic
• arthroscopic
• barotropic
• cystoscopic
• endoscopic
• gyroscopic
• hygroscopic
• isentropic
• isotopic
• isotropic
• microscopic
• misanthropic

Kids Definition

macroscopic

adjective

mac·​ro·​scop·​ic ˌmak-rə-ˈskäp-ik 

: large enough to be observed by the naked eye

macroscopic animals

Medical Definition

macroscopic

adjective

mac·​ro·​scop·​ic ˌmak-rə-ˈskäp-ik 

: large enough to be observed by the naked eye compare microscopic sense 2, submicroscopic, ultramicroscopic sense 1

macroscopically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb