medullary

adjective

med·​ul·​lary ˈme-də-ˌler-ē  ˈme-jə-  mə-ˈdə-lə-rē 

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

Risk Of Thyroid Cancer Studies performed in rodents have shown a link between GLP-1 agonists and the development of a rare type of thyroid cancer known as medullary thyroid cancer. —Omer Awan, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

There’s also a higher risk of pancreatitis and medullary thyroid cancer. —Lipi Roy, Forbes.com, 6 May 2025

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

Stages of Medullary Thyroid Cancer Age does not play a role in determining the stages of medullary thyroid cancer. —Christopher Bergland, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

The medullary cavity, the inside of bones that hold bone marrow, had stopped expanding, meaning the dinosaur wasn’t a juvenile. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 16 May 2024

The drugs are not recommended for use in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). —Kristen Jordan Shamus, Detroit Free Press, 24 July 2023

People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, a cancer that forms in the inside of the thyroid gland, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome, which causes tumors to form on the endocrine glands, should definitely stay away from this drug. —Emily Shiffer, Women's Health, 19 Mar. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1830, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing medullary

• medullary ray
• medullary sheath

Rhymes for medullary

• accessary
• adversary
• ancillary
• arbitrary
• aviary
• axillary
• beriberi
• breviary
• budgetary
• capillary
• catenary
• cautionary

Medical Definition

medullary

adjective

med·​ul·​lary ˈmed-ᵊl-ˌer-ē  ˈmej-ə-ˌler-ē; mə-ˈdəl-ə-rē 

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