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

Isaacman, the mission commander, and Gillis will then open the hatch and float briefly out of the capsule, connected by umbilical cords that will supply them with oxygen. —Geoff Brumfiel, NPR, 10 Sep. 2024

How umbilical cord blood banks misled customers and doctors about the technology's promise. —Tina Reed, Axios, 16 July 2024

This situation is dangerous since the head can press against the umbilical cord and cause asphyxia or a lack of oxygen. —Donna Murray, Rn, Parents, 25 July 2024

These even have a convenient and thoughtfully designed umbilical cord snap-down that prevents it from rubbing against your newborn child’s recovering cord stump. —Laura Denby, Parents, 4 Aug. 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