omphaloskepsis

[ om-fuh-loh-skep-sis ]

noun

1. 1. contemplation of one's navel as part of a mystical exercise.
   2. navel-gazing.

Word History and Origins

Origin of omphaloskepsis¹

First recorded in 1925–30; omphalo(s) + Greek sképsis “observation, perception,” equivalent to skep- (stem of sképtesthai “to observe, examine”); skeptic ( def ), -sis