medulla

Where does the word "medulla" come from? It comes from Latin medulla, and was adopted directly into English (1600s).

Medulla’s story begins in Latin: medulla meant “marrow, the innermost part.” Literally marrow, the innermost part of an organ. It reached English by 1600s as medulla. Latin 'marrow, pith'. Today, medulla means the innermost part of an organ, especially the lower part of the brainstem.

1. Stage 1 · Latin · ancient medulla "marrow, the innermost part", literally marrow, the innermost part of an organ.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1600s medulla "the innermost part of an organ, especially the brainstem", Latin 'marrow, pith'.