umbilicus

noun

um·​bi·​li·​cus ˌəm-ˈbi-li-kəs How to pronounce umbilicus (audio) ˌəm-bə-ˈlī- How to pronounce umbilicus (audio)
plural umbilici ˌəm-ˈbi-li-ˌkī How to pronounce umbilicus (audio)
-ˌkē;
ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-ˌkī How to pronounce umbilicus (audio)
-ˌsī
or umbilicuses
1
b
: any of several morphological depressions
especially : hilum sense 1
2
: a central point : core, heart

Examples of umbilicus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The deeper aspect of the umbilicus was exposed by using a spatula. Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 Physical examination revealed a deep umbilicus with a barely visible opening. Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 The novel hypothesis explains why umbilicus has aesthetic value, and why umbilicus has had a distinctive role in different cultures. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2011 There are many locations for hernias, including the umbilicus (belly button) and prior scars, but the most likely location is still inguinal -- in the groin. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 26 July 2023 When one falls in love with a patient who is a famous actor, the umbilicus that had sustained them all their lives is pierced for the first time. Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2023 Swirl of words like a stirred cocktail, whirled umbilicus, pulsing asterisk. Diane Seuss Anne Boyer, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2023 In contrast, humans have a clearly visible umbilicus that changes with age and nutrients gathered. Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2011 The tech staff informed us that we would be connected to this digital umbilicus for the duration of our employment. Jeremy Miller, Harper's Magazine, 26 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'umbilicus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin umbilīcus "navel, central point," going back to Italic *omb-el-īko-, going back to Indo-European *h3n̥bh-(e)l- (derivative with an -l- formative and zero-grade ablaut from the base *h3nobh- "hub of a wheel, nave entry 1") + *-ih2ko-, noun suffix — more at navel

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of umbilicus was in 1799

Dictionary Entries Near umbilicus

Cite this Entry

“Umbilicus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/umbilicus. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

umbilicus

noun
um·​bil·​i·​cus
ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəs
plural umbilici
-ˈbil-ə-ˌkī,
-ˌkē,
-ˌsī
or umbilicuses
: navel

Medical Definition

umbilicus

noun
um·​bi·​li·​cus ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəs How to pronounce umbilicus (audio) ˌəm-bə-ˈlī- How to pronounce umbilicus (audio)
plural umbilici ˌəm-ˈbil-ə-ˌkī How to pronounce umbilicus (audio) -ˌkē; ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-ˌkī How to pronounce umbilicus (audio)
-ˌsī
or umbilicuses
: navel

More from Merriam-Webster on umbilicus

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