marrow definition

1. <anatomy> The tissue which fills the cavities of most bones; the medulla. In the larger cavities it is commonly very fatty, but in the smaller cavities it is much less fatty, and red or reddish in colour.

2. The essence; the best part. "It takes from our achievements . . . The pith and marrow of our attribute." (Shak)

3. [OE. Maru, maro; perh. A different word; cf. Gael. Maraon together] One of a pair; a match; a companion; an intimate associate. "Chopping and changing I can not commend, With thief or his marrow, for fear of ill end.

<botany>" (Tusser) Marrow squash See Spinal cord, under Spinal.

Origin: OE. Marou, mary, maruh, AS. Mearg, mearh; akin to OS. Marg, D. Merg, G. Mark, OHG. Marg, marag, Icel. Mergr, Sw. Merg, Dan. Marv, Skr. Majjan; cf. Skr. Majj to sink, L. Mergere. Cf. Merge.

(01 Mar 1998)