noun
umbilicus
um-BIL-ih-kus/ʌmˈbɪlɪkəs/
The mark on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached.
The recessed umbilicus sits at the center of the exposed abdomen.
Etymology
Latin umbilicus named both the navel and the center of something. English preserves the anatomical meaning, chiefly as a medical term for the scar left by the cord.
In context
Traditionally, the hands are placed over the umbilicus, so over the navel, and almost always the hands are gonna be positioned left over right.
More examples
- A small scar lies just below her umbilicus.
- He points to his umbilicus when asked where it hurts.
- The surgeon makes a small incision near the umbilicus.
Forms
umbilicus · umbilici · umbilicuses
umbilical adjective — Relating to the navel or umbilical cord.
Similar words
- navel
- Names the same body feature in less technical language.
- bellybutton
- An informal name often used in everyday conversation.