viscera

American  

[vis-er-uh] / ˈvɪs ər ə /

plural noun

singular

viscus

1. Anatomy, Zoology. the organs in the cavities of the body, especially those in the abdominal cavity.

2. (not used scientifically) the intestines; bowels.

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viscera British  

/ ˈvɪsərə /

plural noun

1. anatomy the large internal organs of the body collectively, esp those in the abdominal cavity

2. (less formally) the intestines; guts

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viscera Scientific  

/ vĭs′ər-ə /

1. The soft internal organs of the body, especially those contained within the abdominal and thoracic cavities.

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Etymology

Origin of viscera

First recorded in 1645–55; from Latin: literally “soft, fleshy parts of a body, internal organs, meat” plural of viscus

Example Sentences

However, officials caution that if you do consume clams and scallops you should remove and discard the digestive organs or viscera and any other dark parts.

From Los Angeles Times • May 9, 2025

Their efforts help improve our understanding of Earth’s viscera, of Iceland’s volcanic cadence, and of this peninsula’s volcanic dangers.

From National Geographic • Jul. 24, 2023

He also pleaded guilty to single offence under the same act which related to the generation of viscera at the scene.

From BBC • Feb. 24, 2023

There’s no blood, viscera or pulverized bone in the sculptures made by the Baltimore-born Buck, who divides his time between New York and Texas.

From Washington Post • Nov. 11, 2022

He did not chew the peaches, rather, he swallowed them whole as though they were live goldfish with bone and viscera intact.

From "The Great Santini" by Pat Conroy