medullary

American  

[med-l-er-ee, mej-uh-ler-ee, muh-duhl-uh-ree] / ˈmɛd lˌɛr i, ˈmɛdʒ əˌlɛr i, məˈdʌl ə ri /

adjective

1. pertaining to, consisting of, or resembling the medulla of an organ or the medulla oblongata.

---

Other Word Forms

• postmedullary adjective

Etymology

Origin of medullary

First recorded in 1610–20; medull(a) + -ary

Example Sentences

The medullary respiratory center, responsible for the rhythm and depth of respiration, comprises various neurons dedicated for inspiration and expiration.

From Science Daily • Dec. 7, 2023

Hillman’s family posted on his Instagram account Wednesday that he was diagnosed in August with a rare form of kidney cancer called renal medullary carcinoma and was under hospice care.

From Seattle Times • Dec. 22, 2022

Osteoclasts then break down some of the spongy bone to create a marrow, or medullary, cavity in the center of the diaphysis.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The arcuate “bow shaped” arteries form arcs along the base of the medullary pyramids.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The epidermoid cancers are less likely to recur after early removal; the medullary cancers are of rapid growth and prone to ulceration; while the fibrous or scirrhous forms are of extreme slowness of growth.

From A System of Practical Medicine by American Authors, Vol. I Volume 1: Pathology and General Diseases by Various