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
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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'umbilicus.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Latin — 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

Dictionary Entries Near umbilicus

Cite this Entry

“Umbilicus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/umbilicus. Accessed 28 May. 2023.

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 How to pronounce umbilicus (audio) ˌəm-bə-ˈlī- How to pronounce umbilicus (audio)
plural umbilici ˌəm-ˈbil-ə-ˌkī How to pronounce umbilicus (audio) -ˌkē; ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-ˌkī How to pronounce umbilicus (audio)
-ˌsī
or umbilicuses
: navel

More from Merriam-Webster on umbilicus

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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