médula
“médula” means “marrow” in Spanish. It has 2 different meanings depending on context:
marrow
Also: spinal cord, pith
📝 In Action
La médula ósea es necesaria para producir células sanguíneas.
B2Bone marrow is necessary to produce blood cells.
El doctor está preocupado por una lesión en la médula espinal.
B2The doctor is worried about an injury to the spinal cord.
Esta planta tiene una médula muy blanda.
C1This plant has a very soft pith.
core
Also: heart, bottom
📝 In Action
Ese argumento llega a la médula del problema.
C1That argument gets to the core of the problem.
La libertad es la médula de nuestra constitución.
C1Freedom is the heart of our constitution.
Sus palabras me calaron hasta la médula.
C2His words chilled/touched me to the bone.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: médula
Question 1 of 3
If a doctor is talking about 'médula espinal', what are they referring to?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
🎵 Rhymes▼
📚 Etymology▼
From the Latin word 'medulla', meaning the innermost part, marrow, or kernel.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'médula' masculine or feminine?
It is feminine ('la médula'), even though it is a scientific term which sometimes confuses learners.
Does 'médula' always refer to bones?
No. While it often means bone marrow, it also refers to the spinal cord ('médula espinal') and the central part of plant stems.
How do you say 'to the core' in Spanish using this word?
You can say 'hasta la médula' to describe being affected or being a certain way deep down.