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ab·do·men

(ăbdə-mən)

1. The part of the body that lies between the thorax and the pelvis and encloses the stomach, intestines, liver, spleen, and pancreas in humans and other mammals. Also called belly.

2. The corresponding region in vertebrates other than mammals.

3. The posterior segment of the body in arthropods.

[Latin abdōmen, belly; see dhē- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.]

Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices

Thousands of entries in the dictionary include etymologies that trace their origins back to reconstructed proto-languages. You can obtain more information about these forms in our online appendices:

Indo-European Roots

Semitic Roots

The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.

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