Definition

1. Noun:
   • The navel; the small, central scar on the abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached before birth. This is the primary anatomical term for the belly button.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The doctor examined the infant's umbilicus for signs of infection.
  • In some cultures, the care of the newborn's umbilicus is an important ritual.

Advanced Usage

• Anatomical Landmark: In medical and anatomical contexts, the umbilicus is a key surface landmark for describing the location of abdominal organs or incisions (e.g., ).
• Botany & Zoology: The term can be used in other scientific fields. In botany, it can refer to a central point, like the hilum of a seed. In zoology, it may refer to a similar central depression or structure in certain shells or organisms.

Variants and Related Words

• Umbilical (adj): Pertaining to the umbilicus or the umbilical cord.
  • The umbilical cord provides nutrients to the fetus.
• Periumbilical (adj): Located around or near the umbilicus.
  • The patient reported periumbilical pain.

Synonyms

• Navel: The common, everyday term for the umbilicus.
• Bellybutton: An informal synonym for navel.

Related Phrases

• Umbilical cord: The flexible cord connecting a fetus to the placenta, which is cut at birth, leaving the umbilicus.
• Umbilical hernia: A condition where part of the intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal wall near the umbilicus.

Noun

1. a scar where the umbilical cord was attached
   • you were not supposed to show your navel on television
   • they argued whether or not Adam had a navel
   • she had a tattoo just above her bellybutton