marrow
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
the soft, fatty substance inside your bones where blood cells are made.
the fatty, vascular tissue found in the cavities of bones; it is the primary site of blood cell production.
Simple“The doctor explained that the patient needed a marrow transplant to help her body make healthy blood.”
In context“The biopsy revealed that the marrow was producing an insufficient number of red blood cells, necessitating a more aggressive treatment plan.”
UsageOften used as an uncountable noun in medical contexts.
Synonymsbone marrow - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
a large, long green vegetable with a hard skin that is related to the zucchini.
a large, edible gourd or squash, typically of the species Cucurbita pepo, harvested when mature.
Simple“We grew a giant marrow in the garden and stuffed it with rice and herbs for dinner.”
In context“The local horticultural show awarded first prize to a marrow that weighed over thirty kilograms, a testament to the gardener's dedication.”
UsageCommonly used in British English; American speakers usually refer to similar vegetables as 'squash' or 'large zucchini'.
- 03 C1 Advanced
the most important or central part of something.
the essential or most vital part of an idea, situation, or person.
Simple“The book really gets to the marrow of what it means to be human.”
In context“The philosopher's latest essay attempts to strip away the superficial arguments and reach the marrow of the ethical dilemma.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
a word for a friend or a work partner.
a companion, mate, or work associate, particularly in mining or industrial contexts.
Simple“He went down to the pub to meet his old marrow for a drink.”
In context“In the traditional mining communities of the North East, a marrow was more than just a colleague; they were a trusted partner underground.”
Teacher's tipThis sense is specific to Northern England, particularly the Tyneside area, and is rarely heard elsewhere.
From Middle English mary, marow, marwe, marowȝ, from Old English mearg, from Proto-West Germanic maʀg, from Proto-Germanic mazgą, mazgaz, from Proto-Indo-European mosgʰos. Compare West Frisian moarch, Dutch merg, German Mark, Swedish märg, Icelandic mergur, and also Russian мозг (mozg, “brain”), Polish mózg (“brain”), Ashkun amōźã, Kamkata-viri muč, muj, Waigali muj, Persian مغز (maġz, “brain”), Sanskrit मज्जन् (majján). Doublet of maghaz.
From Old Norse margr.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.