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
a
: navel sense 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
However, bulging umbilicus can also be a sign of umbilical hernia, a condition that, in rare cases, causes complications in infants. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 12 Oct. 2024 Usually, the midline incision will curve around the umbilicus or belly button area. — David Hampton, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

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

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Cite this Entry

“Umbilicus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/umbilicus. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.

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Kids Definition

umbilicus

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

Medical Definition

More from Merriam-Webster on umbilicus

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about umbilicus

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