Medullary
/ˈmɛd.jəˌlɛr.i/noun
Relating to the medulla, marrow, or inner substance of an organ or structure.
Did you know?Latin medulla originally meant “marrow” and was extended to mean the soft inner pith of plants and the central substance of organs, including the brainstem.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*medhyo-
“Middle or situated between; a reconstructed root associated with central position”
Ancient Latin
Latin
medulla
“Marrow; the soft inner substance of bones and, by extension, plant pith”
Classical Latin
Latin
medullaris
“Of or relating to marrow or the inner substance”
Medieval Latin
Latin
medullarius
“Marrow-related; pertaining to the medulla”
14th–15th Century
English
medullary
“Relating to marrow or the inner substance of a body”
Modern English
English
medullary
“Relating especially to the medulla of an organ, such as the brainstem, kidney, or adrenal gland”