marrow

noun10

1. •
   The substance inside bones which produces blood cells.

   • Chop me up, I like to be hurt / Drink my marrow and blood for dessert — 2004
2. •
   The pith of certain plants.
3. •
   A kind of vegetable similar to a large courgette, zucchini or squash; the mature fruit of certain Cucurbita pepo cultivars.

   • The finest European vegetables, cabbages, cauliflowers, potatoes, vegetable marrow, were lying in the market-hall, awaiting purchasers. — 1847
4. •
   (figurative) The essence; the best part.

   • It takes from our achievements[…]/ The pith and marrow of our attribute. — 1599
5. •
   (figurative) The inner meaning or purpose.
6. •
   (informal) A friend, pal, buddy, mate.

   • Cheers marrow!
7. •
   (informal) Bone marrow biopsy.

   • This patient will have a marrow today.
8. •
   (slang, no longer used) A miner's mate or assistant.
9. •
   (Scotland, no longer used) One of a pair; a match; a companion; an intimate associate.

   • The moon’s my constant Mistresse / & the lowlie owle my morrowe. / The flaming Drake and yͤ Nightcrowe make / mee musicke to my sorrowe. — 1620
10. •
    (euphemistic, no longer used) Semen.

    • Parolles: He wears his honour in a box, unseen / That hugs his kicky-wicky here at home, / Spending his manly marrow in her arms / Of Mars’s fiery steed. — 1604