umbilical cord

noun

1
a
: a cord arising from the navel that connects the fetus with the placenta and through which respiratory gases, nutrients, and wastes pass
2
: a tethering or supply line (as for an astronaut outside a spacecraft or a diver underwater)
3
: a necessary, supportive, or nurturing link or connection

Examples of umbilical cord in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The dad of eight shared the news of Serenity’s birth on Instagram with a photo of himself cutting the umbilical cord. Emily J. Shiffer, People.com, 21 Oct. 2024 Isaacman and Gillis had no PLSS, instead getting their oxygen and power via 12-foot umbilical cords, which also prevented them from accidentally drifting off into space. Jeffrey Kluger, TIME, 12 Sep. 2024 If the umbilical cord becomes compressed, the baby cannot receive oxygen and nutrients. Carrie Madormo, Rn, Mph, Verywell Health, 27 Sep. 2024 Neither of them floated freely, and both relied on 12-foot-long umbilical cords to provide them with oxygen. Emma Roth, The Verge, 12 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for umbilical cord 

Word History

First Known Use

1753, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of umbilical cord was in 1753

Dictionary Entries Near umbilical cord

Cite this Entry

“Umbilical cord.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/umbilical%20cord. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

umbilical cord

noun
um·​bil·​i·​cal cord
ˌəm-ˈbil-i-kəl-
: a cord that contains blood vessels and connects the navel of a fetus with the placenta of the mother

Medical Definition

umbilical cord

noun
: a cord arising from the navel that connects the fetus with the placenta and contains the two umbilical arteries and the umbilical vein
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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