solar plexus

noun

so·​lar plexus ˈsō-lər- 

1

: a nerve plexus in the abdomen that is situated behind the stomach and in front of the aorta and the crura of the diaphragm and contains several ganglia distributing nerve fibers to the viscera

2

: the pit of the stomach

specifically : the part of the abdomen including the stomach that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a blow to the body wall in front of it

Synonyms

• stomach
• abdomen
• belly

Examples of solar plexus in a Sentence

a punch in the solar plexus knocked the air out of him

Recent Examples on the Web

Winter tuned up his body through Duncan-style exercises—energy radiating from his solar plexus out to his limbs—at the dance barre. —Guillermo Perez, Miami Herald, 7 Oct. 2025

Lemon beat a defender up the left seam to give himself the slightest of openings deep left in the end zone, which allowed Maiava to throw the ball directly into his solar plexus. —Haley Sawyer, Oc Register, 28 Sep. 2025

Prices that jumped to a degree acted like a punch to the financial solar plexus of a large portion of renters. —Erik Sherman, Forbes.com, 25 Aug. 2025

The Chinese ban plainly hit Trump in the solar plexus. —Michael Hiltzik, Los Angeles Times, 17 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

from the radiating nerve fibers

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for solar plexus

• cathexis
• lexis
• nexus

Kids Definition

solar plexus

noun

so·​lar plexus ˈsō-lər- 

1

: a network of nerves in the abdomen behind the stomach that contains ganglia sending nerve fibers to the internal organs of the abdomen

2

: the general area of the stomach below the sternum

Medical Definition

solar plexus

noun

so·​lar plexus ˈsō-lər- 

1

: celiac plexus

2

: the part of the abdomen including the stomach and celiac plexus that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a blow to the body wall in front of it

—not used technically