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adj

umbilical

uhm-BIH-lih-kuhl

Umbilical (adj) means relating to the navel or the umbilical cord that connects a fetus to the placenta. Example: “The umbilical cord was clamped shortly after birth.”

adj
1
Relating to the navel or the umbilical cord that connects a fetus to the placenta.
"The umbilical cord was clamped shortly after birth."
noun
1
A cable or cord connecting a spacecraft or astronaut to a support system, especially before launch or during a spacewalk.
"Technicians disconnected the umbilical seconds before liftoff."

How to use umbilical

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with the navel/umbilical cord — or, by extension, a supply cord linking a spacecraft to ground equipment.

Common pairings
umbilical cord

Word forms

umbilicals plural

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Test yourself on “umbilical” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ cord was clamped shortly after birth.

Etymology

From Latin "umbilicus", meaning "navel", plus the adjective suffix "-al".

Origin: Latin

umbilical cord

Rhymes for umbilical

See all rhymes for umbilical →

Frequently asked questions

What does “umbilical” mean?

The word “umbilical” means relating to the navel or the umbilical cord that connects a fetus to the placenta. In plain terms, to do with the navel/umbilical cord — or, by extension, a supply cord linking a spacecraft to ground equipment.

How do you pronounce “umbilical”?

“Umbilical” is pronounced uhm-BIH-lih-kuhl (/ʌmˈbɪ.lɪ.kəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “umbilical” in a sentence?

Here is “umbilical” used in a sentence: “The umbilical cord was clamped shortly after birth.”

What part of speech is “umbilical”?

Depending on how it is used, “umbilical” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “umbilical” come from?

The word “umbilical” comes from Latin. From Latin "umbilicus", meaning "navel", plus the adjective suffix "-al".

How many meanings does “umbilical” have?

“Umbilical” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the navel or the umbilical cord that connects a fetus to the placenta.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial