Definition

1. Noun:
   • A major network of nerves: The solar plexus is a large, complex network of nerves located in the abdomen, behind the stomach. It is a central part of the autonomic nervous system, which controls involuntary bodily functions.
   • A vulnerable area of the body: Colloquially, the term refers to the soft part of the upper abdomen, just below the sternum (breastbone), which is sensitive to physical impact.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • A blow to the solar plexus can cause temporary paralysis of the diaphragm and intense pain.
  • The surgeon was careful to avoid the solar plexus during the abdominal procedure.
  • In meditation, some focus on breathing into the solar plexus to manage anxiety.

Advanced Usage

• "A punch to the solar plexus": A metaphorical expression for a sudden, shocking, or devastating piece of news or event.
  • The news of the company's bankruptcy hit him like a punch to the solar plexus.

Variants and Related Words

• Celiac plexus: The formal anatomical term for the solar plexus.
• Plexus: A general term for a network of nerves or blood vessels.

Synonyms

• Celiac plexus (anatomical synonym)
• Abdominal brain (an older, informal term)
• Epigastrium (refers to the general upper abdominal region, not the nerve network itself)

Related Phrases

• Solar plexus chakra: In some spiritual and yogic traditions, this is the name for the chakra, believed to be an energy center located in the same area.
  • She worked on balancing her solar plexus chakra to increase her sense of personal power.

Related Idioms

• To have a gut feeling: This idiom is conceptually linked, as the solar plexus area is sometimes associated with instinctive reactions or "gut" instincts.
  • I had a gut feeling something was wrong, a tightening in my solar plexus.

Noun

1. a large plexus of sympathetic nerves in the abdomen behind the stomach