umbilical cord

noun

1

a

: a cord arising from the navel that connects the fetus with the placenta and through which respiratory gases, nutrients, and wastes pass

b

: yolk stalk

2

: a tethering or supply line (as for an astronaut outside a spacecraft or a diver underwater)

3

: a necessary, supportive, or nurturing link or connection

Examples of umbilical cord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The dad of eight shared the news of Serenity’s birth on Instagram with a photo of himself cutting the umbilical cord. —Emily J. Shiffer, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024

Isaacman and Gillis had no PLSS, instead getting their oxygen and power via 12-foot umbilical cords, which also prevented them from accidentally drifting off into space. —Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024

If the umbilical cord becomes compressed, the baby cannot receive oxygen and nutrients. —Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024

Neither of them floated freely, and both relied on 12-foot-long umbilical cords to provide them with oxygen. —Emma Roth, The Verge, 12 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

umbilical cord

noun

um·​bil·​i·​cal cord

ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəl-

: a cord that contains blood vessels and connects the navel of a fetus with the placenta of the mother

Medical Definition

umbilical cord

noun

: a cord arising from the navel that connects the fetus with the placenta and contains the two umbilical arteries and the umbilical vein