NYT Dictionary
MACULA
/ˈmæk.jə.lə/NounMAC-u-lamac-u-la · 3 syllablesGrade 12
Accepted in official NYT Spelling Bee puzzle years: 2025
Meaning
An oval yellow spot near the center of the retina of the human eye, histologically defined as having two or more layers of ganglion cells, responsible for detailed central vision.
Etymology
Origin: Middle English
From Middle English macula (“spot on the skin or in the eye”), borrowed from Latin macula (“spot, stain”). Doublet of macchia and macule.
Synonyms & Antonyms
NYT Puzzle Appearances
Accepted in 1 recorded puzzle: