viscus

noun

vis·​cus ˈvi-skəs How to pronounce viscus (audio)
plural viscera ˈvi-sə-rə How to pronounce viscus (audio)
1
: an internal organ of the body
especially : one (such as the heart, liver, or intestine) located in the great cavity of the trunk proper
2
viscera plural : heart sense 4

Examples of viscus in a Sentence

the researchers examined the viscera of the infected rat

Word History

Etymology

Latin (plural viscera)

First Known Use

1651, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of viscus was in 1651

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Cite this Entry

“Viscus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/viscus. Accessed 3 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

viscus

noun
vis·​cus ˈvis-kəs How to pronounce viscus (audio)
plural viscera ˈvis-ə-rə How to pronounce viscus (audio)
: an organ located inside of the body
especially : one (as the heart, liver, or intestine) located in the large cavity of the main part of the body

Medical Definition

viscus

noun
vis·​cus ˈvis-kəs How to pronounce viscus (audio)
plural viscera ˈvis-ə-rə How to pronounce viscus (audio)
: an internal organ of the body
especially : one (as the heart, liver, or intestine) located in the large cavity of the trunk
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