bone marrow: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Technical (medical/biological), culinary, literary (metaphorical)
Quick answer
What does “bone marrow” mean?
The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces blood cells.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces blood cells.
Can metaphorically refer to the essence, core, or deepest part of something; also used in cooking for the substance inside bones.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both use the compound noun 'bone marrow'. Culinary preparations might have regional names (e.g., 'marrow bones').
Connotations
Same primary medical/biological meaning in both varieties. Culinary use is slightly more common in British contexts (e.g., in traditional dishes).
Frequency
Similar frequency in medical contexts. Slightly higher frequency in British general English due to culinary references.
Grammar
How to Use “bone marrow” in a Sentence
transplant [bone marrow] into [patient]extract [bone marrow] from [bone]test [the bone marrow] for [disease]donate [one's] bone marrowVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bone marrow” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon will need to marrow the bone to extract the sample.
- (Note: 'marrow' as a verb is very rare and technical/archaic.)
American English
- They had to marrow the femur during the procedure.
- (Note: 'marrow' as a verb is very rare and technical/archaic.)
adverb
British English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from 'bone marrow'.)
American English
- (No standard adverbial form derived from 'bone marrow'.)
adjective
British English
- The marrow donor registry is extensive.
- They studied marrow stem cells.
American English
- The marrow donor database is nationwide.
- He is a specialist in marrow disorders.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biotech/pharma contexts (e.g., 'bone marrow therapy market').
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and anatomical texts.
Everyday
Used in health discussions, cooking shows, and metaphorical expressions.
Technical
Core term in haematology, oncology, transplant medicine, and anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bone marrow”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bone marrow”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bone marrow”
- Using 'bone brain' (calque error). Treating it as two separate nouns ('bone' and 'marrow') instead of a compound noun. Mispronouncing 'marrow' like 'narrow' without the 'n'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a compound noun, written as two words. The stress is usually on 'marrow' (/ˈmær.əʊ/).
Red marrow is hematopoietically active (produces blood cells). Yellow marrow is fattier and less active, found in long bones. Red marrow can convert to yellow with age.
Yes. It is a culinary delicacy in many cultures, often roasted and spread on bread. It is rich in fats and nutrients.
In medical/biological contexts, yes (e.g., 'marrow biopsy'). In general conversation, 'bone marrow' is clearer to avoid confusion with vegetable marrow (a type of squash).
The soft, spongy tissue inside bones that produces blood cells.
Bone marrow is usually technical (medical/biological), culinary, literary (metaphorical) in register.
Bone marrow: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbəʊn ˈmær.əʊ/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌboʊn ˈmer.oʊ/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “to the marrow (meaning: to the very core, deeply affected)”
- “chilled to the marrow (meaning: extremely cold)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of BONE as the hard structure and MARROW as the 'marrow' (essential part) inside it, like the soft centre of a hard candy.
Conceptual Metaphor
SOURCE (of life/blood) / ESSENCE / CORE / INNERMOST PART.
Practice
Quiz
In a culinary context, 'bone marrow' most likely refers to: