umbilicus

noun

um·bi·li·cus ˌəm-ˈbi-li-kəs ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-

plural umbilici ˌəm-ˈbi-li-ˌkī

-ˌkē;

ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-ˌkī

-ˌsī

or umbilicuses

: navel sense 1

: any of several morphological depressions

especially : hilum sense 1

: a central point : core, heart

Examples of umbilicus in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

The mother fails to cut the umbilicus and the fruits cling tight. — Literary Hub, 25 Mar. 2026 The deeper aspect of the umbilicus was exposed by using a spatula. — Discover Magazine, 19 Nov. 2019 Usually, the midline incision will curve around the umbilicus or belly button area. — David Hampton, Verywell Health, 1 Aug. 2024 There are many locations for hernias, including the umbilicus (belly button) and prior scars, but the most likely location is still inguinal -- in the groin. — Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 26 July 2023 However, bulging umbilicus can also be a sign of umbilical hernia, a condition that, in rare cases, causes complications in infants. — Mark Gurarie, Health, 12 Oct. 2024 The umbilicus, its clinical name, marks the former attachment point of the umbilical cord, the vascular structure that connected you to the placenta during fetal development. — Scott Travers, Forbes.com, 11 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Latin umbilīcus "navel, central point," going back to Italic *omb-el-īko-, going back to Indo-European *h₃n̥b^h-(e)l- (derivative with an -l- formative and zero-grade ablaut from the base *h₃nob^h- "hub of a wheel, nave entry 1") + *-ih₂ko-, noun suffix — more at navel

First Known Use

1799, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler

The first known use of umbilicus was in 1799

See more words from the same year

Browse Nearby Words

umbilicate

umbilicus

umbilroot

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Umbilicus.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/umbilicus. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

umbilicus

noun

um·bil·i·cus

ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəs

plural umbilici

-ˈbil-ə-ˌkī,

-ˌkē,

-ˌsī

or umbilicuses

: navel

Medical Definition

umbilicus

noun

um·bi·li·cus ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəs ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-

plural umbilici ˌəm-ˈbil-ə-ˌkī -ˌkē; ˌəm-bə-ˈlī-ˌkī

-ˌsī

or umbilicuses

: navel

umbilicus

noun

Examples of umbilicus in a Sentence

Word History

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

Kids Definition

Medical Definition

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