marrow Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the fatty network of connective tissue that fills the cavities of bones
    bone marrow.
  2. noun any of various squash plants grown for their elongated fruit with smooth dark green skin and whitish flesh
    vegetable marrow; marrow squash.
  3. noun very tender and very nutritious tissue from marrowbones
    bone marrow.
  4. noun large elongated squash with creamy to deep green skins
    vegetable marrow.
  5. noun the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
    kernel; substance; center; centre; nitty-gritty; essence; sum; meat; heart; pith; nub; heart and soul; core; inwardness; gist.
    • the gist of the prosecutor's argument
    • the heart and soul of the Republican Party
    • the nub of the story

WordNet

Mar"row noun
Etymology
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.
Definitions
  1. (Anat.) 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 color.
  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. Scot.
    Chopping and changing I can not commend, With thief or his marrow, for fear of ill end. Tusser.
Mar"row transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Marrowed ; present participle & verbal noun Marrowing
Definitions
  1. To fill with, or as with, marrow of fat; to glut.

Webster 1913