umbilicus

noun

um·​bi·​li·​cus ˌəm-ˈbi-li-kəs  ˌəm-bə-ˈlī- 

plural umbilici ˌəm-ˈbi-li-ˌkī 

-ˌkē;

ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-ˌkī 

-ˌsī

or umbilicuses

1

a

: navel sense 1

b

: any of several morphological depressions

especially : hilum sense 1

2

: a central point : core, heart

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

Swirl of words like a stirred cocktail, whirled umbilicus, pulsing asterisk. —Diane Seuss Anne Boyer, New York Times, 16 Mar. 2023

In contrast, humans have a clearly visible umbilicus that changes with age and nutrients gathered. —Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2011

The tech staff informed us that we would be connected to this digital umbilicus for the duration of our employment. —Jeremy Miller, Harper's Magazine, 26 Oct. 2021

Word History

Etymology

Latin — more at navel

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

umbilicus

noun

um·​bil·​i·​cus

ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəs

plural umbilici

-ˈbil-ə-ˌkī,

-ˌkē,

-ˌsī

or umbilicuses

: navel

Medical Definition

umbilicus

noun

um·​bi·​li·​cus ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəs  ˌəm-bə-ˈlī- 

plural umbilici ˌəm-ˈbil-ə-ˌkī  -ˌkē; ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-ˌkī 

-ˌsī

or umbilicuses

: navel