Macule
/ˈmæk.juːl/noun
A spot, blemish, or area of discoloration on a surface or the skin.
Did you know?Macule ultimately traces back to Latin macula, the same root behind the idea of a stain or flaw, and it helped shape a whole family of words about marking, damage, and imperfection.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*mak-
“A proposed ancient root meaning to smear, mark, or stain.”
Latin
Latin
macula
“A spot, stain, blemish, or mark.”
Late Latin
Latin
macula
“A blemish or speck; also used in learned vocabulary.”
Old French
Old French
macule
“A stain, blot, or blemish.”
Middle English
English
macule
“A spot or blot, especially on skin or a surface.”
Modern English
English
macule
“A small spot or discoloration, especially in medical or technical use.”