medulla

noun

me·​dul·​la mə-ˈdə-lə How to pronounce medulla (audio)
plural medullas or medullae mə-ˈdə-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce medulla (audio)
-ˌlī
1
plural medullae
a
: bone marrow
b
: medulla oblongata
2
a
: the inner or deep part of an animal or plant structure
the adrenal medulla
b
: myelin sheath

Examples of medulla 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.
The flavors feature smoky persimmon, red cherry, and medulla dates. — Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024 The vagus nerve originates from four clusters of neurons in the brain’s medulla, where the brainstem attaches to the spinal cord. — R Douglas Fields, WIRED, 29 Sep. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of medulla was in the 15th century

Phrases Containing medulla

Rhymes for medulla

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medulla
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Cite this Entry

“Medulla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medulla. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

medulla

noun
me·​dul·​la mə-ˈdəl-ə How to pronounce medulla (audio)
plural medullas or medullae -ˈdəl-ē How to pronounce medulla (audio)
-ˌī
1
: medulla oblongata
2
: the inner or deep part of an animal or plant structure (as the adrenal gland or kidney)
medullary
ˈmed-ᵊl-ˌer-ē
ˈmej-ə-ˌler-ē
adjective

Medical Definition

medulla

noun
me·​dul·​la mə-ˈdəl-ə How to pronounce medulla (audio) -ˈdu̇l- How to pronounce medulla (audio)
plural medullas or medullae -(ˌ)ē How to pronounce medulla (audio) -ˌī How to pronounce medulla (audio)
1
plural medullae
a
: bone marrow
b
: medulla oblongata
2
a
: the inner or deep part of an organ or structure
the adrenal medulla
b
: myelin sheath
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