medulla

noun

me·​dul·​la mə-ˈdə-lə 

plural medullas or medullae mə-ˈdə-(ˌ)lē 

-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

What Is High Porosity Hair? Your hair consists of a cuticle, cortex, and medulla, all of which help protect your hair from damage and retain moisture. —Sherri Gordon, Health, 4 June 2025

The flavors feature smoky persimmon, red cherry, and medulla dates. —Joseph V Micallef, Forbes, 21 Dec. 2024

The naloxone rushed through his capillaries, passed again through vessel walls and spilled into the medulla. —Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 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

It is produced in the adrenal glands in the adrenal medulla. —Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin

First Known Use

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

Phrases Containing medulla

• medulla oblongata

Rhymes for medulla

• gullah
• mullah
• nulla
• nullah

Kids Definition

medulla

noun

me·​dul·​la mə-ˈdəl-ə 

plural medullas or medullae -ˈdəl-ē 

-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  -ˈdu̇l- 

plural medullas or medullae -(ˌ)ē  -ˌī 

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