Marrow

/ˈmæɹəʊ/ · noun

Meaning

(uncountable) The substance inside bones which produces blood cells..

Definitions by Sense

1. (uncountable) The substance inside bones which produces blood cells.
2. A kind of vegetable similar to a large courgette, zucchini or squash; the mature fruit of certain Cucurbita pepo cultivars.
3. The pith of certain plants.
4. (figurative) The essence; the best part.
5. (figurative) The inner meaning or purpose.
6. (countable, medicine, colloquial) Bone marrow biopsy.
7. (uncountable, obsolete) Semen.
8. (Geordie, informal) A friend, pal, buddy, mate.

Example Sentences

Turning back, then, toward the basement staircase, she began to grope her way through blinding darkness, but had taken only a few uncertain steps when, of a sudden, she stopped short and for a little stood like a stricken thing, quite motionless save that she quaked to her very marrow in the grasp of a great and enervating fear.

Chop me up, I like to be hurt / Drink my marrow and blood for dessert

The finest European vegetables, cabbages, cauliflowers, potatoes, vegetable marrow, were lying in the market-hall, awaiting purchasers.

It takes from our achievements[…]/ The pith and marrow of our attribute.

I cannot commend , with theefe of his marrow, for feare of ill end

This patient will have a marrow today.

I was chilled to the marrow.

Parolles: He wears his honour in a box, unseen / That hugs his kicky-wicky here at home, / Spending his manly marrow in her arms / Of Mars’s fiery steed.

Synonyms for marrow

Antonyms for marrow

Related Words

Word Forms

• marrows
• marra

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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