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REFERENCE

macro

n. · adj. · v.
US //ˈmækɹoʊ// UK //mˈækɹəʊ// macro
  1. 1 computing shortcut (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Computing

    a single command or shortcut that automatically follows a set of instructions to save time.

    a single instruction that expands automatically into a set of instructions to perform a particular task.

    Example

    I created a macro in the spreadsheet to format the data with one click.

    Example

    The analyst programmed a complex macro to automate the monthly data extraction, significantly reducing the margin for manual entry errors.

    Usage

    Often used with the verbs 'run', 'create', or 'write'.
  2. 2 nutrition (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Informal Cooking

    a short word for 'macronutrient' — the main parts of food like protein, fat, and carbohydrates.

    a clipping of macronutrient, referring to the primary dietary components required in large quantities.

    Example

    Athletes often track their macros to make sure they get enough protein.

    Example

    Bodybuilders frequently manipulate their daily macros, adjusting the ratio of fats to carbohydrates depending on their current training phase.
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  1. 3 photography (n.)
    C1 Advanced Technical Science

    a type of photography or lens used for taking very close-up pictures of small things.

    a clipping of macro lens or macro photography, involving extreme close-up shots of small subjects.

    Example

    She used a macro to get a clear photo of the tiny insect on the leaf.

    Example

    The photographer specialised in macro, capturing the intricate geometric patterns found on the wings of tropical butterflies.
    • wide angle
  2. 4 large scale (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Academic

    relating to the whole of something rather than just small parts.

    relating to a large-scale or overall system rather than its individual components.

    Example

    We need to look at the macro view of the economy to understand the problem.

    Example

    From a macro perspective, the shift in global trade routes will have profound implications for local manufacturing hubs over the next decade.
  3. 5 to use a shortcut (v.)
    C2 Proficiency Informal Slang Computing

    to use a computer shortcut to perform an action quickly.

    to execute or assign a task to a macro command.

    Example

    He was accused of cheating because he macroed his attacks in the game.

    Example

    The player was banned after the moderators discovered he had macroed his entire resource-gathering routine to run while he was away from his desk.
Etymology 1

1933, from macro-, from French, from Latin, from Ancient Greek μακρός (makrós, “long”).

Etymology 2

Attested 1959, shortened from macroinstruction.

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