n. pl. bel·lies Phrasal Verb: 1. See abdomen. 2. The underside of the body of certain vertebrate animals, such as a snake. 3. A cut of meat from the underside of an animal, especially a pig. 4. Informal a. The stomach. b. An appetite for food. 5. The womb; the uterus. 6. a. A part that bulges or protrudes: the belly of a sail. b. Anatomy The bulging, central part of a muscle. 7. A deep or central interior space: the engine in the belly of a ship; fish down in the belly of a river. belly up To approach closely: belly up to the bar. [Middle English beli, from Old English belg, bag; see bhelgh- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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