Stomach Meaning and Definition
Stomach
Pronunciation
/ˈstoʊmæk/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
The organ of digestion in humans and many animals, consisting of a muscular sac lined with mucous membrane and located between the esophagus and the small intestine.
Etymology
The word “stomach” comes from the Greek word “στόμαχος” (stómachos), meaning “the lower part of the gut”, which is derived from “στόμα” (stóma), meaning “mouth”.
Examples
- She had a upset stomach after eating the bad oysters.
- The doctor examined the patient’s stomach to check for any abnormalities.
Synonyms
- Gut
- Abdomen
Antonyms
- Head
- Brain
Additional Information
The stomach is a muscular sac that secretes digestive enzymes and acids to break down food. It plays a crucial role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. The stomach can also get upset due to various factors such as eating spoiled food, stress, or certain medications.
The stomach is responsible for the initial digestion of food, and it mixes food with stomach acid and digestive enzymes to break down proteins and carbohydrates. The partially digested food then moves into the small intestine for further digestion and absorption.
Usage Notes
The word “stomach” is often used to refer to a person’s ability to tolerate difficult situations or foods, as in “I don’t think I can stomach this spicy curry.”
Cultural References
The stomach has been a subject of interest in many cultures, with various mythologies and folklores associated with its functions and capacities.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- To have a stomach ache
- To have a gut feeling
- To get stomach butterflies
Related Words or Phrases
- Intestine
- Circulatory system
- Respiratory system
Collocations
- Stomach pain
- Stomach acid
- Stomach bacteria
Frequency of Use
The word “stomach” is a common term in everyday language, particularly in medical and scientific contexts.
Common Misspellings
- Stomich
- Stomiches