Marrow: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in everyday language to describe the soft, fatty substance found inside bones. It can also metaphorically refer to the essence or core of something.

• The chef prepared a dish with roasted bone marrow.
• She felt the cold to the very marrow of her bones.

Used in medical or biological contexts to refer specifically to the spongy tissue inside certain bones. It is important for producing blood cells.

• Doctors discovered the patient had a bone marrow deficiency.
• Bone marrow transplants can be life-saving for patients with certain cancers.

Primarily used in anatomical and medical contexts to refer to the inner region of an organ or tissue, especially in the brainstem and adrenal glands.

• The medulla oblongata is responsible for regulating vital functions such as breathing.
• The adrenal medulla secretes adrenaline in response to stress.

Commonly used in British English to refer to a large vegetable, similar to a zucchini, that belongs to the gourd family.

• She prepared a delicious stuffed marrow for dinner.
• Marrow can be used to make a variety of soups and stews.