What does marrow mean?
Marrow is principally the soft, fatty tissue inside bones, where blood cells are produced. It can also refer more generally to a plant’s pith or, figuratively, to the essential core and vitality of a person, institution, or idea. The word often suggests depth and fundamental character: something that affects us “to the marrow” reaches our deepest values, feelings, or physical being. In literary contexts, marrow can convey the idea of concentrated substance or emotional power, as in a story with emotional marrow. Although marrow has a straightforward anatomical meaning, its figurative uses give it a memorable association with strength, vitality, and what lies at the center of something.
nounThe soft, fatty tissue found inside bones. In figurative use, marrow refers to the essential core, strength, or vitality of a person or thing.
- The soft, fatty tissue that fills the cavities of bones and contains blood-forming tissue.
- The pith or soft inner tissue of a plant.
- The essential core, strength, or vitality of a person or thing.
"The warmth of the community reached to the marrow of the story."
"Doctors examined a sample of the patient’s bone marrow."
"The novel had a marrow of genuine human feeling beneath its elaborate plot."
Usually used in the singular. The plural marrows is uncommon and typically appears in specialized or technical contexts.
"The marrow samples were analyzed for abnormalities."
The phrase “to the marrow” suggests something that affects a person not just outwardly but in their deepest core.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does marrow come from?
The word marrow comes from Old English marrow, meaning the soft tissue inside bones, and ultimately relates to Latin medulla, “marrow” or “pith.” The Latin term was borrowed into English through Old English and later reinforced by the Anglo-Norman French marui. The modern spelling marrow developed from Middle English marwe and related forms. Latin medulla also gave rise to words such as medullary and medullated, reflecting the shared anatomical root.
Related word forms
How marrow is actually used
The anatomical sense is standard in medical and biological contexts. The figurative sense is common in literary and idiomatic expressions, especially in phrases such as “to the marrow.”
Easily confused with marrow
Marrow is the common English word for the soft tissue within bones, while medulla is the formal anatomical term and can also refer to the inner part of a plant stem or hair.