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

Examples of umbilicus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

However, bulging umbilicus can also be a sign of umbilical hernia, a condition that, in rare cases, causes complications in infants. —Mark Gurarie, Health, 12 Oct. 2024

Usually, the midline incision will curve around the umbilicus or belly button area. —David Hampton, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

Transverse approach: In a transverse approach, the incision is made from side to side, instead of up and down, next to the umbilicus. —David Hampton, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024

The deeper aspect of the umbilicus was exposed by using a spatula. —Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019

Physical examination revealed a deep umbilicus with a barely visible opening. —Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019

The novel hypothesis explains why umbilicus has aesthetic value, and why umbilicus has had a distinctive role in different cultures. —Ncbi Rofl, Discover Magazine, 8 Sep. 2011

There are many locations for hernias, including the umbilicus (belly button) and prior scars, but the most likely location is still inguinal -- in the groin. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 26 July 2023

When one falls in love with a patient who is a famous actor, the umbilicus that had sustained them all their lives is pierced for the first time. —Michael Ordoña, Los Angeles Times, 21 June 2023

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin umbilīcus "navel, central point," going back to Italic *omb-el-īko-, going back to Indo-European *h₃n̥b^h-(e)l- (derivative with an -l- formative and zero-grade ablaut from the base *h₃nob^h- "hub of a wheel, nave entry 1") + *-ih₂ko-, noun suffix — 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