epigastrium

[ep-i-gas-tree-uhm]

noun

Anatomy.

plural

epigastria 

1. the upper and median part of the abdomen, lying over the stomach.

epigastrium

/ ˌɛpɪˈɡæstrɪəm /

noun

1. the upper middle part of the abdomen, above the navel and below the breast

Other Word Forms

• epigastric adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigastrium¹

1675–85; < New Latin < Greek epigástrion, noun use of neuter of epigástrios over the stomach. See epi-, gastr-, -ium ( def. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of epigastrium¹

C17: from New Latin, from Greek _epi- + gastrion, from gastēr stomach

Example Sentences

A state of restlessness and agitation, often with general indisposition and a distressing sense of oppression at the epigastrium.

From Project Gutenberg

April 11th, has to-day, for the first time, severe pain in the epigastrium, with tenderness and moderate distension.

From Project Gutenberg

When the north pole of a small magnet was held towards him, he described a drawing sensation proceeding outwards from the epigastrium, and as if a current of air went from him.

From Project Gutenberg

Slight pain in epigastrium, coming and going at intervals of a few minutes.

From Project Gutenberg

In some cases symptoms of tenderness in the epigastrium, pains in the stomach after eating, vomiting and backache may suggest gastric ulcer.

From Project Gutenberg