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.

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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

The DCT, which is the last part of the nephron, connects and empties its contents into collecting ducts that line the medullary pyramids.

From Textbooks • Jun. 9, 2022

The cavity at the center of the bone is called the medullary cavity.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

Sil′ver-fox, a species of fox found in northern regions, having a rich and valuable fur; Sil′ver-glance, native silver sulphide; Sil′ver-grain, the medullary rays in timber.—adjs.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various