viscera

[ vis-er-uh ]

plural noun

, singular vis·cus [vis, -k, uh, s].

1. Anatomy, Zoology. the organs in the cavities of the body, especially those in the abdominal cavity.
2. (not used scientifically) the intestines; bowels.

viscera

/ ˈvɪsərə /

plural noun

1. anatomy the large internal organs of the body collectively, esp those in the abdominal cavity splanchnic
2. (less formally) the intestines; guts

viscera

/ vĭs′ər-ə /

1. The soft internal organs of the body, especially those contained within the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

Word History and Origins

Origin of viscera¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin: literally “soft, fleshy parts of a body, internal organs, meat” plural of viscus

Word History and Origins

Origin of viscera¹

C17: from Latin: entrails, pl of viscus internal organ

Example Sentences

It all functions to supply Art the Clown with memeable moments, the floors slick with viscera.

From Los Angeles Times

Carolina Costa’s unrelentingly intimate shots of viscera through the first three episodes refuse to allow us distance from these murders.

From Salon

Like a lot of rock's new generation – Nova Twins, Halestorm, Yungblud – she sees no distinction between the shiny allure of a pop hook and the meaty viscera of heavy metal.

From BBC

Maybe what it takes to depict visceral political arguments is, well, viscera; maybe you have to fight blood and soil with blood and guts.

From New York Times

Bodies burst like water balloons under pressure, goopy viscera raining from wall to wall.

From Los Angeles Times