rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryumbilicalNavel or prenatal connection
adjective / noun

umbilical

um-BIL-ih-kul/ʌmbˈɪlɪkʌl/

Associated with the cord connecting fetus and placenta.

The umbilical cord carries oxygen and nutrients to the developing baby.

A tabletop medical teaching model demonstrating an umbilical cord: a pale ivory flexible rope-like anatomical cord curves from a small neutral silicone abdominal navel model on the left to a round reddish placenta model on the right, mounted on a clean white medical table.
Etymology
umbilicLatinnavel
+alLatinrelating to

The pieces mean “relating to the navel.” In “umbilical cord,” the adjective identifies the cord by its attachment at the site that becomes the navel.

In context

NicuCEO1:01
the placenta is an organ that provides oxygen and nutrients to the baby from the mother's blood the umbilical cord connects the placenta to the baby
Birth Asphyxia in the NICU: Dr. Read’s Essential Guide for NICU Parents

More examples

  • The ultrasound shows blood flowing through the umbilical cord.
  • After birth, the doctor clamps and cuts the umbilical cord.
  • An umbilical supplies the diver with air from the surface.

Forms

umbilical · umbilicals

umbilicus noun — The navel, or belly button.