Abdominal: meaning, definitions and examples

Medical and scientific contexts when referring to the area of the body between the chest and the pelvis.

• The doctor examined the patient’s abdominal region for any swelling
• Abdominal pain can be caused by various factors

Informal or casual contexts talking about the front part of the human or animal body, especially indicating fullness or relaxation.

• After the big meal, his belly was very full
• The dog rolled over and let us rub its belly

Everyday contexts, especially when talking about or referring to the organ responsible for digestion or indicating feelings like hunger or discomfort.

• She felt butterflies in her stomach before the presentation
• My stomach aches after eating too much candy

Anatomical and biological contexts, often used to describe the underside of animals or human anatomy.

• The fish's ventral side is lighter in color
• Ventral fins help the fish to stabilize in the water

See above entry for 'abdominal'.

This is an informal and highly abbreviated way of referring to the abdominal muscles, often used in fitness or casual contexts.

• I'm doing an ab workout.
• Her abs are really toned.

This term is commonly used in fitness and casual conversations to describe the muscles in the abdomen area.

• He has strong abs from working out.
• She wants to strengthen her abs.

This term is often used in both medical and casual contexts to describe the muscles located in the stomach area, but can sometimes be less specific than 'abs'.

• He strained his stomach muscle during exercise.
• It's important to strengthen your stomach muscles.