umbilicuses

Noun

umbilicus (plural umbilici or umbilicuses)

1. A navel.

   Synonyms:

   omphalos, omphalus

2. (broadly, proscribed, sometimes) A umbilical cord.
   • Although I have been tempted to cut the umbilicus, and pass a ligature round the remaining portion on one occasion, yet I now deem such interference officious and uncalled - for at this eventful period.1834, Sporting Magazine, page 179
3. A hilum.
4. A depression or opening in the center of the base of many spiral shells.
5. Either of the two apertures in the calamus of a feather.
6. A tube connecting an astronaut or spacecraft to the mothership, through which supplies and samples can be transferred.
   • The importance of the visual analyzer is further increased when the cosmonaut is in free space with only the slight support of an umbilicus.1966, Aerospace Technology Division, Soviet Biotechnology and Bioastronautics: Report, Library of Congress, page 10

See all 9 meanings of umbilicus