umbilicus

1. (anatomy) navelSynonyms: omphalos, omphalus

2. (loosely, sometimes proscribed) Umbilical cordExamples: "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."; "She ate the umbilicus, and the afterbirth, which is supposed to be good for them. Then she licked off the first kitten and was ready for the next."; "Then he tied the umbilicus in two places, using bits of Manila twine, and made his cut between them."broadlyproscribedsometimes

3. (botany) hilum

4. (zoology) A depression or opening in the center of the base of many spiral shells.

5. (zoology) Either of the two apertures in the calamus of a feather.

6. (space science) A tube connecting an astronaut or spacecraft to the mothership, through which supplies and samples can be transferred.Examples: "The importance of the visual analyzer is further increased when the cosmonaut is in free space with only the slight support of an umbilicus."; "Penetrators will be connected by an umbilicus to an afterbody containing imaging and meteorological instruments."; "How about a 270 mile tether to an orbiting satellite? Oh, you'd like that, wouldn't you? Frank! Prepare to receive the umbilicus!"