Dictionary

macrognathia An abnormally large jaw. Macrognathia can be associated with pituitary gigantism, tumors, and other disorders. Macrognathia can often be corrected with surgery. Also known as prognathic mandible.

macroglossia An abnormally large tongue. Macroglossia is sometimes said to be associated with Down syndrome, but in that disorder the tongue is actually large only in relationship to a smaller-thannormal mouth cavity.

macroglobulinemia A condition in which the blood contains high levels of large proteins and is too thick to flow through small blood vessels. The large protein is an antibody called macroglobulin or IgM. One type of macroglobulinemia is Waldenström macroglobulinemia, a type of cancer.

macrocephaly An abnormally large head. The opposite of macrocephaly is microcephaly. Macrocephaly can be a normal variant or be a sign of pressure within the growing head during childhood, such as from hydrocephalus.

macrobiotic diet A diet that incorporates Ayurvedic principles of food combining, is based mainly on brown rice and vegetables, and claims to lengthen life. The macrobiotic diet is strictly not recommended for pregnant women or children and may not provide sufficient protein and nutrients for others.

macrobiotic Referring to the macrobiota, a region’s living organisms that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

macrobiota The living organisms of a region that are large enough to be seen with the naked eye.

macroangiopathy A disease of the large blood vessels in which fat and blood clots build up and stick to the vessel walls, blocking the flow of blood. Types of macroangiopathy include coronary artery disease (macroangiopathy in the heart), cerebrovascular disease (macroangiopathy in the brain), and peripheral vascular disease (macroangiopathy that affects, for example, vessels in…

macro- Prefix meaning large or long, as macrocephaly (an abnormally large head) and macrosomia (an overly large body). The opposite of macro- is micro-.

machine, heart-lung See heart-lung machine.

Macewen operation A surgical operation to repair inguinal hernia that was designed by Scottish surgeon Sir William Macewen.

MAC 1 Mycobacterium avium complex. 2 Membrane attack complex.