marrow - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
marrow Word Meanings
- the soft tissue inside bones
- the essential part of something
- the core substance or essence
marrow Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
marrow Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈmær.əʊ/
US
/ˈmɛr.oʊ/
marrow Word Etymology
marrow = 'meat' + 'inside'; Historical origin: Old English 'mearh' → Middle English → English. Imagine a soft, nourishing substance inside a bone, like rich stew waiting to be savoring.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Marrow is the soft tissue inside bones that produces blood cells and stores fat. There are two types: red marrow, which makes red and white blood cells, and yellow marrow, which stores fat. Beyond anatomy, marrow also appears in metaphorical phrases meaning the core part or essence of something, as in “the marrow of the argument.” For language learners, remember that marrow refers to the tissue or to a metaphorical core, not to the bone itself. Common collocations include bone marrow, marrow transplant, and marrow inside.
Usage Reminders
- Use marrow for the tissue inside bones, not the bone itself.
- When used metaphorically, marrow means core or essence, not just the center of a physical object.
- Keep the fixed phrase bone marrow together as a unit.
- Know the difference between red marrow and yellow marrow and their roles.
- Do not use marrow to refer to edible marrow in meat contexts unless you are discussing bone marrow as food.
- Practice common terms like bone marrow, marrow transplant, and marrow inside in context.
Common Misconceptions
- Marrow equals bone; they are the same thing.
- Edible marrow in meat is always the same as bone marrow in medicine.
- Marrow cannot be used in metaphor.
- Bone marrow is only red tissue.
- Marrow is the brain or another body part.
Thinking Differences
Explain to English speakers that marrow has both a concrete anatomical sense and a metaphorical sense; learners often overgeneralize the metaphor and apply it to unrelated ideas.
Learning Tips
- Learn the two main senses first: anatomical marrow and metaphorical core.
- memorise the fixed phrase bone marrow.
- Distinguish red marrow from yellow marrow and their functions.
- Practice with medical texts to see the tissue term.
- Use marrow in metaphorical phrases with care and context.
- Pair marrow with other anatomy terms to build nouns like marrow transplant.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'marrow'?
A.A part of a plant
B.A tasty type of meat
C.The skin of a fruit
D.A soft creamy substance inside bones
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is the word 'marrow' used correctly?
A.She ordered a dish with bone marrow as the main ingredient.
B.He looked for the marrow to eat with his pasta.
C.The marrow of the apple was juicy.
D.The plant's marrow helped it grow.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'marrow'?
A.Peel
B.Pulp
C.Leaf
D.Root
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'marrow'?
A.Flesh
B.Skin
C.Nerve
D.Shell
Step 5: Mastery
How is the word 'marrow' commonly used in real-life situations?
A.In medical terms for a type of blood cell
B.In gardening to describe a plant's main stem
C.In cooking to refer to the soft inside of bones
D.In sports to indicate the central part of a play
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