medulla: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/Scientific
Quick answer
What does “medulla” mean?
The innermost or central part of an organ or structure, especially the inner region of certain organs like the brain or kidney.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The innermost or central part of an organ or structure, especially the inner region of certain organs like the brain or kidney.
In botany, the soft internal tissue (pith) of a plant stem. In anatomy, it can refer specifically to the medulla oblongata (part of the brainstem) or the adrenal medulla.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialised in both UK and US English.
Grammar
How to Use “medulla” in a Sentence
the medulla of [ORGAN/STRUCTURE]damage to the medulla[ADJECTIVE] medulla (e.g., adrenal, renal)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “medulla” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverb form]
American English
- [No standard adverb form]
adjective
British English
- The medullary cavity contains bone marrow.
- Medullary rays are visible in the oak timber.
American English
- The medullary sheath insulates the nerve fiber.
- A biopsy confirmed medullary thyroid carcinoma.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in medical, biological, and anatomical texts and lectures.
Everyday
Extremely rare; would only be used by someone with specific medical knowledge.
Technical
The primary register. Essential terminology in anatomy, neurology, endocrinology, and botany.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “medulla”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈmɛdjʊlə/ or /mɛˈduːlə/.
- Using it as a general synonym for 'brain'.
- Confusing 'adrenal medulla' with 'adrenal cortex'.
- Misspelling as 'medula' (single 'l').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a highly specialised term used almost exclusively in medical, anatomical, and biological contexts.
In anatomy and biology, 'medulla' refers to the innermost region of an organ or structure, while 'cortex' refers to the outer layer. For example, the kidney has a renal cortex and a renal medulla.
No, it is solely a noun. The related adjective is 'medullary' (e.g., medullary tissue).
The most common specific term is 'medulla oblongata', which is the part of the brainstem connecting to the spinal cord and controlling vital involuntary functions.
The innermost or central part of an organ or structure, especially the inner region of certain organs like the brain or kidney.
Medulla is usually technical/scientific in register.
Medulla: in British English it is pronounced /mɪˈdʌlə/, and in American English it is pronounced /məˈdʌlə/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'MEDULLA' as the 'MEDical' or 'MEDical centre' of an organ – its innermost, vital part.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE CORE/CENTRE OF AN OBJECT (e.g., 'the medulla of the issue' – though this is a rare metaphorical extension).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these contexts is the word 'medulla' most appropriately used?