n. [ shortened form of macroinstruction ] 1. a single computer instruction which symbolizes, and is converted at the time of program execution or by a compiler into, a series of instructions in the same computer language. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

2. A keystroke (or combination of keystrokes) which symbolizes and is replaced by a series of keystrokes; -- a convenient feature of some advanced programs, such as word processors or database programs, which allows a user to rapidly execute any series of operations which may be performed multiple times. Such macros may typically be defined by the program user, without rewriting or recompiling the program. [ PJC ]

a. very large in scale or scope or capability; as, macroeconomics. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

pos>pref. [ Gr. makro`s, adj. ] A combining form signifying long, large, great; as macrodiagonal, macrospore, macromolecule, macrocosm. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ Gr. &unr_; long-lived; makro`s long + bi`os life: cf. F. macrobiotique. ] 1. Long-lived. Dunglison. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Of or pertaining to macrobiotics. [ PJC ]

3. Of or pertaining to macrobiotic food; serving macrobiotic food. [ PJC ]

n. A diet consisting chiefly of beans and whole grains. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. 1. (Physiol.) The art of prolonging life. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Specifically: A philosophy or attitude that health and long life are promoted by adhering to a diet consisting mostly of whole grains, with some vegetables, beans, fruit, and moderate amounts of seafood. However, the absence of essential nutrients such as fat makes such a diet of questionable value if strictly adhered to. [ PJC ]

a. [ Macro + Gr. kefalh` the head. ] 1. Of or pertaining to macrocephaly; having an unusually large head. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Bot.) Having the cotyledons of a dicotyledonous embryo confluent, and forming a large mass compared with the rest of the body. Henslow. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. THe condition of having an unusually large head; it differs from hydrocephalus because there is no increase intracranial pressure and the overgrowth is symmetrical.
Syn. -- megacephaly, megalocephaly. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

peop. n. A genus of giant crabs of Japan.
Syn. -- genus Macrocheira. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. [ Macro- + chemistry. ] (Chem.) The science which treats of the chemical properties, actions or relations of substances in quantity; -- distinguished from micro-chemistry. [ 1913 Webster ]