macula n 1: a cooler darker spot appearing periodically on the sun's photosphere; associated with a strong magnetic field [syn: {sunspot}, {macula}] 2: a small yellowish central area of the retina that is rich in cones and that mediates clear detailed vision [syn: {macula}, {macula lutea}, {macular area}, {yellow spot}] 3: a patch of skin that is discolored but not usually elevated; caused by various diseases [syn: {macule}, {macula}]
Macula \Mac"u*la\, n.; pl. {Maculae}. [L., spot, stain, blot. See {Mail} armor, and cf. {Mackle}, {Macule}.] 1. A spot, as on the skin, or on the surface of the sun or of some other luminous orb; called also {macule}. [1913 Webster] 2. (Zool.) A rather large spot or blotch of color. [1913 Webster] macula lutea