Definition

1. Noun:
   • A fetal membrane: A thin, transparent membrane that sometimes covers a baby's head at birth. This is part of the amniotic sac.
   • A part of the peritoneum: In anatomy, a fold of the peritoneum that attaches the stomach and colon to other abdominal organs and covers the intestines.

Examples of Usage

• Noun (Fetal membrane):
  • The midwife noted that the baby was born with a caul over its face.
  • In some cultures, a caul is considered a sign of good luck.
• Noun (Anatomical structure):
  • The surgeon carefully moved the caul to access the underlying intestine.
  • The caul, or omentum, helps store fat and protect abdominal organs.

Advanced Usage

• "Born with a caul": An idiom meaning to be born with a caul covering the head, historically considered an omen of good fortune or a special destiny.
  • Legend said the hero was born with a caul, foretelling his great future.

Variants and Related Words

• Caul fat: A specific culinary term for the fatty membrane from the abdomen of animals, used to wrap foods.
  • The chef used caul fat to encase the sausage mixture.

Synonyms

• Veil (for the birth membrane):
• Omentum (for the anatomical structure): The greater omentum is often referred to as a .

Related Idioms

• "To be born with a caul": To be born destined for good luck or greatness.
  • She was so fortunate in life, people joked she must have been born with a caul.

Noun

1. the inner membrane of embryos in higher vertebrates (especially when covering the head at birth)
2. part of the peritoneum attached to the stomach and to the colon and covering the intestines