medullary

adjective

med·​ul·​lary ˈme-də-ˌler-ē How to pronounce medullary (audio) ˈme-jə- How to pronounce medullary (audio) mə-ˈdə-lə-rē How to pronounce medullary (audio)
1
: of or relating to the pith of a plant
2
: of or relating to a medulla and especially the medulla oblongata

Examples of medullary in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Doctors are warning patients who have a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome Type 2 not to take the medication due to possible complications. — Ashleigh Fields, The Hill, 24 Dec. 2024 People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, as well as people with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), should not use these medications. 4. — Karen Berger, Pharmd, Verywell Health, 24 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of medullary was in 1830

Phrases Containing medullary

Rhymes for medullary

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“Medullary.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medullary. Accessed 14 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

medullary

adjective
med·​ul·​lary ˈmed-ᵊl-ˌer-ē How to pronounce medullary (audio) ˈmej-ə-ˌler-ē; mə-ˈdəl-ə-rē How to pronounce medullary (audio)
1
a
: of or relating to the medulla of any body part or organ
b
: containing, consisting of, or resembling bone marrow
c
: of or relating to the medulla oblongata or the spinal cord
d
: of, relating to, or formed of the dorsally located embryonic ectoderm destined to sink below the surface and become neural tissue
2
: resembling bone marrow in consistency
—used of cancers
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