stomach

American  

[stuhm-uhk] / ˈstʌm ək /

noun

1. Anatomy, Zoology.

   1. a saclike enlargement of the alimentary canal, as in humans and certain animals, forming an organ for storing, diluting, and digesting food.

   2. such an organ or an analogous portion of the alimentary canal when divided into two or more sections or parts.

   3. any one of these sections.

2. Zoology. any analogous digestive cavity or tract in invertebrates.

3. the part of the body containing the stomach; belly or abdomen.

4. appetite for food.

5. desire, inclination, or liking.

   I have no stomach for this trip.

6. Obsolete.

   1. spirit; courage.

   2. pride; haughtiness.

   3. resentment; anger.

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verb (used with object)

1. to endure or tolerate (someone or something).

   I can't stomach your constant nagging.

   Synonyms:

   countenance, abide, stand, bear

2. Obsolete. to be offended at or resent.

stomach British  

/ ˈstʌmək /

noun

1. (in vertebrates) the enlarged muscular saclike part of the alimentary canal in which food is stored until it has been partially digested and rendered into chyme

2. the corresponding digestive organ in invertebrates

3. the abdominal region

4. desire, appetite, or inclination

   I have no stomach for arguments

5. an archaic word for temper

6. an obsolete word for pride

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verb

1. to tolerate; bear

   I can't stomach his bragging

2. to eat or digest

   he cannot stomach oysters

stomach Idioms  

1. see butterflies in one's stomach; can't stand (stomach) the sight of; eyes are bigger than one's stomach; no stomach for; sick to one's stomach; turn one's stomach.

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Etymology

Origin of stomach

First recorded in 1300–50; Middle English stomak, from Latin stomachus “gullet, stomach,” from Greek stómachos originally, “opening”; akin to stoma

Example Sentences

She turned toward him fully, and Chitto’s stomach did a funny flip—like it did every time their eyes met since that night.

From Literature

My stomach twists when she says that, and her wide, almond-shaped, coffee-brown eyes, framed by her perfectly plucked eyebrows, bore into mine.

From Literature

So then why were the sour contents of his stomach inching up his throat?

From Literature

Anyone who has had a severe stomach illness recognizes the pattern.

From Science Daily

I felt better — my stomach, my skin — and, more surprisingly, I didn’t feel deprived.

From Salon

Related Words

• abdomen
• belly
• gut
• tummy