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Marrow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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marrow

[ˈmÃĶr.oʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

bone

The soft fatty substance in the cavities of bones, in which blood cells are produced.

Synonyms

bone marrow, medulla.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marrow

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.
bone marrow

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.
medulla

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.

Examples of usage

  • The marrow of the bone is responsible for producing red blood cells.
  • She needed a bone marrow transplant to treat her illness.
Context #2 | Noun

vegetable

The soft substance inside the stems of some vegetables, such as squash or zucchini.

Synonyms

squash marrow, zucchini marrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
marrow

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.

Examples of usage

  • She scooped out the marrow of the zucchini before cooking it.
  • The recipe calls for removing the marrow from the squash.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Bone marrow is crucial for producing red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body.
  • There are two types of bone marrow: red marrow (produces blood cells) and yellow marrow (primarily fat storage).
  • Bone marrow transplants are essential medical procedures used to treat conditions like leukemia, allowing patients to produce healthy blood cells.

Culinary Uses

  • In gastronomy, marrow is considered a delicacy and is often roasted and spread on bread or used in soups and sauces.
  • Marrow from bones is high in nutrients and has been traditionally consumed for its rich flavor and health benefits.
  • Dishes featuring marrow, like bone marrow soup, highlight the practice of using every part of an animal in cooking.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, dishes made with bone marrow are associated with comfort and are often served on special occasions.
  • Marrow is found in the folklore of different cultures as a symbol of life-giving nourishment.
  • The phrase 'to the marrow' implies something deep or profoundly comprehensive, indicating marrow's significance in life and health.

Medical Insights

  • Diseases affecting the bone marrow, like aplastic anemia, can severely impact blood cell production and overall health.
  • Bone marrow research has advanced understanding of stem cells, leading to therapies for various blood-related disorders.
  • Conditions like multiple myeloma are linked to abnormal plasma cells in the marrow, showcasing its importance in diagnostics.

Origin of 'marrow'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'marrow' comes from the Old English 'mearg', which means 'soft' or 'tender'.
  • In Latin, 'medulla' refers to the central part of an organ, which includes bone marrow.
  • Historically, marrow has been used in cooking, with the word 'marrow' also indicating the soft, fatty part of certain animals like cows and sheep.

The word 'marrow' has its roots in Old English, where it was originally used to refer to the fatty substance found in bones. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the soft substance inside the stems of certain vegetables. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history, often symbolizing strength, vitality, and the essence of life.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,488 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.