medulla

noun

me·​dul·​la mə-ˈdə-lə How to pronounce medulla (audio)
plural medullas or medullae mə-ˈdə-(ˌ)lē How to pronounce medulla (audio)
-ˌlī
1
plural medullae
2
a
: the inner or deep part of an animal or plant structure
the adrenal medulla

Examples of medulla in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The vagus nerve originates from four clusters of neurons in the brain’s medulla, where the brainstem attaches to the spinal cord. R Douglas Fields, WIRED, 29 Sep. 2024 The naloxone rushed through his capillaries, passed again through vessel walls and spilled into the medulla. Blake Nelson, The Mercury News, 13 Oct. 2024 Other larger peptides are able to repair damage at the surface of the cuticle, but a smaller molecular weight allows our peptides to penetrate all the way into the medulla, or the deepest parts of the hair’s core. Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 1 Oct. 2024 It is produced in the adrenal glands in the adrenal medulla. Michelle Pugle, Verywell Health, 13 Aug. 2024 The medulla sends signals back through the vagus nerve to your diaphragm and the muscles between your ribs, telling them to contract. Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024 The vagus nerve signals the medulla—located in the brainstem—to initiate the cough reflex. Jenny Sweigard, Verywell Health, 1 July 2024 The project is missing cell census data from some areas, such as the medulla. Quanta Magazine, 13 Dec. 2023 Results showed some cells connected to the medulla were highly active at the start of a movement, whereas others switched on either in the midst or end of the activity. Simon Makin, Scientific American, 1 Nov. 2018

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of medulla was in the 15th century

Cite this Entry

“Medulla.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/medulla. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

medulla

noun
me·​dul·​la mə-ˈdəl-ə How to pronounce medulla (audio)
plural medullas or medullae -ˈdəl-ē How to pronounce medulla (audio)
-ˌī
1
2
: the inner or deep part of an animal or plant structure (as the adrenal gland or kidney)
medullary
ˈmed-ᵊl-ˌer-ē
ˈmej-ə-ˌler-ē
adjective

Medical Definition

medulla

noun
me·​dul·​la mə-ˈdəl-ə How to pronounce medulla (audio) -ˈdu̇l- How to pronounce medulla (audio)
plural medullas or medullae -(ˌ)ē How to pronounce medulla (audio) -ˌī How to pronounce medulla (audio)
1
plural medullae
2
a
: the inner or deep part of an organ or structure
the adrenal medulla
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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