solar plexus

noun

1. Also called celiac plexus. Anatomy.,  a network of nerves situated at the upper part of the abdomen, behind the stomach and in front of the aorta.

2. a point on the stomach wall, just below the sternum, where a blow will affect this nerve center.

solar plexus

noun

1. Also called: coeliac plexus. anatomy the network of sympathetic nerves situated behind the stomach that supply the abdominal organs

2. (not in technical usage) the part of the stomach beneath the diaphragm; pit of the stomach

Word History and Origins

Origin of solar plexus¹

First recorded in 1765–75; so called from the raylike pattern of the nerve fibers

Word History and Origins

Origin of solar plexus¹

C18: referring to resemblance between the radial network of nerves and ganglia and the rays of the sun

Related Words

• abdomen 
• gut 
• insides 
• pelvis 
• tank 
• tummy