Search Dictionary
Definition of umbilicus

umbilicus

/ʌmˈbɪl.ɪ.kəs/
um · bil · i · cus
Plural:umbilici
•
Adjective:umbilical
JUMP TO:

umbilicus Lexical Profile

umbilicus Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

The small rounded depression or scar in the center of the abdomen marking the point where the umbilical cord was attached before birth; the navel.

Example

"The surgeon made a small incision just below the patient's umbilicus to perform the laparoscopic procedure."

2

A central pit, hollow, or depression in a biological structure, such as the central cavity at the base of a spiral mollusk shell or the scar on a seed where it was attached to the stalk.

Example

"Marine biologists examined the deep umbilicus on the underside of the gastropod shell to help identify the species."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for umbilicus

• Nearby Words

umbellularia
umber
umbilical
umbilicus
umbrella
umbrella plant
umbrellabird

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed directly from Latin 'umbilicus', meaning 'navel' or 'middle', which is cognate with Ancient Greek 'omphalos' (navel) and Old English 'nafela'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Umbilicus. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/umbilicus
Built for writers, students, and competitive word game players, Wordmom combines an uncluttered English dictionary and thesaurus with fast, pattern-based word finders so you can verify definitions, synonyms, and high-scoring tile plays in one place.
Word Games & Solvers
Word FinderScrabble Word FinderWords With Friends CheatWordle SolverAnagram Solver
Dictionary & Reference
DictionarySynonymsAntonymsWords
Community
Contact UsEditorial PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms and Conditions
© 2016–2026 Wordmom Network. All rights reserved. Made with for word lovers everywhere.
Disclaimer: SCRABBLE® is a registered trademark. All intellectual property rights in and to the game are owned in the U.S.A. and Canada by Hasbro Inc., and throughout the rest of the world by J.W. Spear & Sons Limited of Maidenhead, Berkshire, England, a subsidiary of Mattel Inc. Mattel and Spear are not affiliated with Hasbro. Words With Friends® is a registered trademark of Zynga Inc. Wordle® is a registered trademark of The New York Times Company. Other referenced game titles and tournament lexicon codes (including NASPA NWL and WESPA/HarperCollins CSW) are trademarks of their respective owners. Wordmom is an independent reference utility for educational and entertainment purposes and is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Hasbro, Mattel, Spear, Zynga, The New York Times Company, NASPA, WESPA, or HarperCollins Publishers. All game names are referenced strictly under nominative fair use to indicate compatibility.