navel-cord
Definition
Noun: The umbilical cord, specifically the flexible cord-like structure that connects a fetus to the placenta in the womb, through which nutrients and oxygen are transferred and waste products are removed.
Usage Examples
- (The umbilical cord was separated from the newborn.)
- (The cord provides vital nourishment to the growing baby.)
Advanced Usage
- "to cut the navel-cord": a literal or metaphorical act of severing a connection, especially one that provides essential support or dependence.
- The company finally cut the navel-cord with its parent organization and became independent. (The company ended its reliance on the parent firm.)
Variants and Related Words
Navel-string (n): an alternative term for the umbilical cord.
- The midwife carefully examined the navel-string after delivery. (The umbilical cord was inspected.)
Umbilical cord (n): the standard medical term for the navel-cord.
- The umbilical cord is typically clamped and cut within minutes of birth. (The medical procedure for the navel-cord.)
Synonyms
- Umbilical cord: the primary anatomical term.
- Birth cord: a less common synonym.
- Funis: a technical, rarely used term.
Related Idioms
To be joined by the navel-cord: to have an extremely close, dependent relationship, often between a mother and child.
- Even as an adult, he seemed joined by the navel-cord to his mother. (He remained overly dependent on her.)
To cut the navel-cord: to break free from a dependent relationship or to become independent.
- Graduating from university was the moment she cut the navel-cord with her family. (She became self-sufficient.)