navel

views updated Jun 08 2018

na·vel / ˈnāvəl/ • n. a rounded, knotty depression in the center of a person's belly caused by the detachment of the umbilical cord after birth; the umbilicus. ∎ fig. the central point of a place: the Incas saw Cuzco as the navel of the world.PHRASES: contemplate one's navel spend time complacently considering oneself or one's own interests; concentrate on one issue at the expense of a wider view.ORIGIN: Old English nafela, of Germanic origin; related to Dutch navel and German Nabel, from an Indo-European root shared by Latin umbo ‘boss of a shield,’ umbilicus ‘navel,’ and Greek omphalos ‘boss, navel.’ Compare with nave2 .

navel

views updated May 18 2018

navel OE. nafela = (M)LG., (M)Du. navel, OHG. nabalo (G. nabel), ON. nafli :- Gmc. *naƀalan-, rel. to L. umbō boss of shield, umbilīcus navel, Gr. omphalós navel, boss of shield, Skr. náƀhi-, OIr. imbliu navel; cf. NAVE1.

navel

views updated May 18 2018

navel (nay-vĕl) n. see umbilicus.