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Original · left

Macro (large-scale)

Large-scale or overall, as in macroeconomics.

First in use: the 1930s
Duplicate · right

Macro (computer science)

A rule or recorded sequence that expands into a longer set of instructions.

First in use: the 1950s

Macro / Macro (large-scale) / Macro (computer science)

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Canonical todayMeasuring…
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Duplicate share · 12 mo—
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Colour keyGrey · original meaningGreen · duplicate meaningAmber · contested (40–60%)How colours work

Macroeconomics vs. keyboard macros.

Which meaning of Macro is the original, and which one is the duplicate riding on its name? Macro (large-scale) came first (the 1930s). Macro (computer science) arrived in the 1950s. The data below shows which one owns the word now.

Wikipedia pageviews since 2015

Macro (large-scale)Macro (computer science)
English Wikipedia pageviews since July 2015 load here.

Duplicate's share of attention

Green line = duplicate's % · above 60 it owns the word · below 40 the original does

Share-of-attention line loads here.

The case for each meaning

Sourced definitions, usage stats and quotes

Original · the 1930s

Macro (large-scale)

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Duplicate · the 1950s

Macro (computer science)

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More duplicated terms

Programming & software