abdominal

adjective

ab·​dom·​i·​nal ab-ˈdä-mə-nᵊl How to pronounce abdominal (audio)
əb-
-ˈdäm-nᵊl
: of, relating to, or involving the abdomen
abdominal pain/cramps/bloating
an abdominal scar
abdominal sternites
see also abdominal cavity
abdominally
ab-ˈdä-mə-nᵊl-ē How to pronounce abdominal (audio)
əb-
-ˈdäm-nᵊl-ē
adverb
abdominally obese
surgical instruments inserted abdominally

Examples of abdominal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Most people infected with salmonella can experience a range of symptoms including abdominal pain, fever, headache, watery diarrhea that may also have blood or mucus, loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting, according to the CDC. Gma Team, ABC News, 17 Mar. 2026 Princess Kate revealed in March 2024 that she had been diagnosed with cancer and would undergo a course of preventative chemotherapy after having abdominal surgery. Sara Moniuszko, USA Today, 17 Mar. 2026 On top of that, Orlando will still be without Anthony Black (left lateral abdominal strain), Franz Wagner (left high ankle sprain injury management) and Jonathan Isaac (left knee sprain) at Atlanta. Jason Beede, The Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2026 That’s why it’s sometimes used before medical procedures like colonoscopies, abdominal surgeries and other bowel exams. Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 13 Mar. 2026 See All Example Sentences for abdominal

Word History

First Known Use

1650, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of abdominal was in 1650

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Abdominal.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/abdominal. Accessed 20 Mar. 2026.

Medical Definition

abdominal

1 of 2 adjective
ab·​dom·​i·​nal ab-ˈdäm-ən-ᵊl How to pronounce abdominal (audio)
1
: of, belonging to, or affecting the abdomen
abdominal organs
abdominal pain
abdominal surgery
2
: performed by entry through the abdominal wall
an abdominal hysterectomy
abdominally adverb

abdominal

2 of 2 noun
: an abdominal muscle (as an oblique or a rectus abdominis) especially of the anterolateral region
usually used in plural

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