abdomen

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈæb.də.mən/
• American: AB-duh-men

Origin

From Latin "abdōmen", possibly derived from "abdere" (to hide, conceal)

Meanings

1. The part of the body below the chest and above the pelvis containing the stomach, intestines and other organs
2. The posterior section of an insect or arthropod body

Example Sentences

1. "The doctor gently pressed on his abdomen to check for any signs of tenderness."
2. "She felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen after eating spicy food."
3. "The bee's abdomen contains its stinger and vital organs."

Related Words

• Adjective: abdominal /æbˈdɑː.mɪ.nəl/
• Plural: abdomens
• Medical term: ventral cavity
• Informal: belly, tummy, gut

Synonyms

• belly
• stomach (informal)
• midsection
• torso (broader term)

Memory Tricks

1. Think "AB-dome-n" - like a dome that protects your internal organs
2. Remember the "AB" part as being related to "abs" (abdominal muscles)
3. Think of it as the area that contains your "A-B-C" organs: Appendix, Bowels, and Colon