stomach

[stuhm-uhk]

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.

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

/ 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

verb

1. to tolerate; bear

   I can't stomach his bragging

2. to eat or digest

   he cannot stomach oysters

Word History and Origins

Origin of stomach¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of stomach¹

C14: from Old French stomaque, from Latin stomachus (believed to be the seat of the emotions), from Greek stomakhos, from stoma mouth

Idioms and Phrases

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.

Example Sentences

“It made me sick to my stomach,” said Umberg, who is chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee.

From Los Angeles Times

There was the stomach virus at the start of the year, which caused him to lose 20 pounds and develop bad swing habits while overcompensating for a decline in physical strength.

From Los Angeles Times

While most people experience only mild symptoms resembling stomach flu, it can lead to severe illness such as meningitis or sepsis.

From BBC

"I feel sick in my stomach being here."

From BBC

Swansea Crown Court heard on Wednesday that, when ordered to leave the taxi, driver Geraint Jones did not think Daniel was serious until he saw the scissors close to his stomach.

From BBC

Related Words

• abdomen 
• belly 
• gut 
• tummy