umbilicus

[ uhm-bil-i-kuhs, uhm-buh-lahy-kuhs ]

noun

, plural um·bil·i·ci [uhm-, bil, -, uh, -sahy, uhm-b, uh, -, lahy, -sahy].

1. Anatomy. the depression in the center of the surface of the abdomen indicating the point of attachment of the umbilical cord to the embryo; navel.
2. Botany, Zoology. a navellike formation, as the hilum of a seed.

umbilicus

/ ʌmˈbɪlɪˌfɔːm; ˌʌmbɪˈlaɪkəs; ʌmˈbɪlɪkəs /

noun

1. biology a hollow or navel-like structure, such as the cavity at the base of a gastropod shell
2. anatomy a technical name for the navel

Derived Forms

• umbiliform, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of umbilicus¹

1605–15; < Latin umbilīcus navel, middle, center; navel

Word History and Origins

Origin of umbilicus¹

C18: from Latin: navel, centre; compare Latin umbō shield boss, Greek omphalos navel