Main Entry: stom·ach

Pronunciation: \ˈstəm-ək, -ik\

Function: noun

1 a : a saclike expansion of the alimentary canal of a vertebrate communicating anteriorly with the esophagus and posteriorly with the duodenum and being typically a simple often curved sac with an outer serous coat, a strong complex muscular wall that contracts rhythmically, and a mucous lining membrane that contains gastric glands

[stomach illustration]

b : one of the compartments of a ruminant stomach <the abomasum is the fourth stomach of a ruminant>
2 : a cavity in an invertebrate animal that is analogous to a stomach
3 : the part of the body that contains the stomach : belly, abdomen