plural umbilical cords
: a long, narrow tube that connects an unborn baby to the placenta of its mother
—sometimes used figuratively
The time has come to cut/sever the umbilical cord that keeps us dependent on foreign aid.
Cite this Entry
“Umbilical cord.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/umbilical%20cord. Accessed 19 Jun. 2026.
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