Definify.com

Definition 2024


macronucleus

macronucleus

English

Noun

macronucleus (plural macronuclei)

  1. (biology) The larger of the two nuclei present in ciliate protozoans; it controls the nonreproductive functions of the cell.
    • 1890 Proceedings, American Philosophical Society
      These binucleated forms have one macronucleus functional and another sexual micronucleus which is not functional in the ordinary life processes of the species.

Synonyms