solar plexus

noun

so·​lar plexus ˈsō-lər- 

1

: a nerve plexus in the abdomen that is situated behind the stomach and in front of the aorta and the crura of the diaphragm and contains several ganglia distributing nerve fibers to the viscera

2

: the pit of the stomach

specifically : the part of the abdomen including the stomach that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a blow to the body wall in front of it

Synonyms

• abdomen
• belly
• breadbasket [slang]
• gut
• stomach
• tummy

Examples of solar plexus in a Sentence

a punch in the solar plexus knocked the air out of him

Recent Examples on the Web

My solar plexus – slow rising heat, like a tea kettle on simmer. —Sam McManis, Sacramento Bee, 31 Jan. 2024

The soundwaves vibrate my solar plexus. —Liza Lentini, SPIN, 3 Mar. 2023

The place behind my solar plexus tightened. —Savala Nolan, Harper's Magazine, 20 July 2021

And was that the throaty rumble of passing cars synchronizing with the nearly imperceptible vibrations in my solar plexus? —Los Angeles Times, 17 Feb. 2023

Word History

Etymology

from the radiating nerve fibers

First Known Use

1771, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

solar plexus

noun

so·​lar plexus ˈsō-lər- 

1

: a network of nerves in the abdomen behind the stomach that contains ganglia sending nerve fibers to the internal organs of the abdomen

2

: the general area of the stomach below the sternum

Medical Definition

solar plexus

noun

so·​lar plexus ˈsō-lər- 

1

: celiac plexus

2

: the part of the abdomen including the stomach and celiac plexus that is particularly vulnerable to the effects of a blow to the body wall in front of it

—not used technically