umbilical

1 of 2

adjective

um·​bil·​i·​cal ˌəm-ˈbi-li-kəl 

British also

ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-kəl 

1

: of, relating to, or used at the navel

2

: of or relating to the central region of the abdomen

3

: being a necessary or nurturing link or connection

the town's umbilical rail line

umbilical

2 of 2

noun

: umbilical cord sense 2

Examples of umbilical in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

Larvae were identified in the calf's umbilical area. — Mateo Rosiles, USA Today, 4 June 2026

The deep, sustained umbilical connection that leaves a navel simply never forms. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Noun

So keeping it out of umbilicals, electrical and fluids connectors, and any sensitive electronics is critical. — IEEE Spectrum, 30 Oct. 2018

The flight ultimately slipped to early March because of work to replace and test suspect seals in a quick-disconnect umbilical that attaches propellant lines to the base of the rocket. — William Harwood, CBS News, 19 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Adjective

borrowed from New Latin umbilīcālis, from Latin umbilīcus "navel, central point" + -ālis -al entry 1 — more at umbilicus

Noun

by ellipsis

First Known Use

Adjective

1541, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

1774, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing umbilical

• umbilical cord

Medical Definition

umbilical

adjective

um·​bil·​i·​cal

ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəl also ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-kəl

1

: of, relating to, or used at the navel

umbilical infection

2

: of or relating to the central abdominal region that is situated between the right and left lumbar regions and between the epigastric region above and the hypogastric region below

umbilical pain