macro refers to close-up photography or some times the use of a macro lens... which would also be for close-up photography.
What i think you are refering to in my photo today is DoF - which stands for Depth of Field. This refers to the distance in front and behind the subject that seems to be in focus. You can use your DoF to make only certain parts of your photo in focus adding emphasis to your subject ;)
Cheers to understanding all the photography mumbo-jumbo O_o
rabbit