Stomach: meaning, definitions and examples

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stomach

[ˈstʌmək ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Noun}

anatomy

The stomach is an organ in the body that plays a key role in digestion. It is located between the esophagus and the small intestine. The stomach secretes digestive enzymes and acids to break down food into nutrients that can be absorbed by the body. The stomach also has muscles that help mix and churn food to aid in the digestion process.

Synonyms

abdomen, belly, tummy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
stomach	Used in both formal and informal situations to refer to the organ where digestion begins or the general area where it is located. Often used when discussing medical or digestive issues. My stomach hurts after eating that spicy food. She has a strong stomach and can eat almost anything.
belly	Informal and often used in everyday conversation. Can refer to the surface of the front part of the body between the chest and the pelvis. Sometimes carries a playful or casual tone. He has a big belly from overeating. She lay on her back, her belly exposed to the sun.
tummy	Very informal and often used when speaking to children or in a playful, affectionate manner. Refers to the stomach or abdominal area. Does your tummy hurt? The baby has a round little tummy.
abdomen	Generally used in formal or medical contexts to refer to the region of the body between the chest and pelvis. Often seen in scientific or medical discussions. The doctor examined his abdomen for signs of swelling. She felt a sharp pain in her lower abdomen.

Examples of usage

The stomach produces hydrochloric acid to help digest food.
After eating, the stomach contracts to mix the food with digestive juices.
The lining of the stomach protects it from the acidic environment.
The stomach can expand to accommodate a large meal.
The stomach empties its contents into the small intestine.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'stomachus,' which means 'gullet' or 'throat.'
In ancient Greek, the term 'stomachos' was used to refer to the upper belly area.
Over centuries, this term evolved in many languages, but kept the core meaning related to digestion.

Science

The stomach produces acid and enzymes that help break down food into a liquid called chyme.
The typical stomach can hold about 1 to 1.5 liters of food and liquid at one time.
Muscles in the stomach contract to mix food and move it into the intestines for further digestion.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures have unique phrases about the stomach, such as 'butterflies in the stomach,' which refers to nervousness.
In various traditions, a full stomach is often associated with hospitality and friendship.
The notion of 'gut feelings' links the stomach to emotional and intuitive decision-making in many cultures.

Literature

Authors have often used the stomach as a metaphor for feelings or intuition in stories.
The phrase 'stomach for something' depicts courage or bravery, especially in facing challenges.
In children's stories, characters often have adventures related to food, intensifying the importance of the stomach.

Health

Common issues related to the stomach include indigestion, ulcers, and acid reflux.
Having a healthy diet can greatly affect stomach health; fiber is important for digestion.
Understanding stomach bacteria and how they influence digestion has become a key area of medical research.

Translations

Translations of the word "stomach" in other languages:

🇵🇹 estômago

🇮🇳 पेट

🇩🇪 Magen

🇮🇩 perut

🇺🇦 шлунок

🇵🇱 żołądek

🇯🇵 胃 (い)

🇫🇷 estomac

🇪🇸 estómago

🇹🇷 mide

🇰🇷 위

🇸🇦 معدة

🇨🇿 žaludek

🇸🇰 žalúdok

🇨🇳 胃 (wèi)

🇸🇮 želodec

🇮🇸 magi

🇰🇿 асқазан

🇬🇪 კუჭი

🇦🇿 mədə

🇲🇽 estómago

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #3,194, this word is part of upper-intermediate vocabulary. While not among the most basic terms, it appears often enough to be valuable for advanced communication.

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3191 validity
3192 proceeded
3193 arc
3194 stomach
3195 masses
3196 kg
3197 disability
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