technical name for the navel crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Struggling with the clue "technical name for the navel"? You've landed on the right page! Below, you'll find the most common answers along with their explanations, perfectly sorted by letter count to help you complete your puzzle.
Solutions for "technical name for the navel crossword clue" by Letter Count
9 Letters
UMBILICUS: The primary anatomical and medical term for the navel or belly button, derived from Latin.
8 Letters
OMPHALOS: An alternative term for the navel, originating from Greek, often found in more specialized or historical contexts, and occasionally in crosswords.
More About "technical name for the navel crossword clue"
The navel, commonly known as the belly button, holds a unique place in human anatomy and culture. Scientifically, it's the remnant of the umbilical cord, which connected a fetus to its mother during gestation, providing vital nutrients and oxygen. Once the cord is cut after birth, the remaining stump dries and falls off, leaving behind the characteristic depression or protrusion that is the navel.
While "belly button" is the everyday term, the precise anatomical and medical name is "umbilicus." This Latin-derived term is consistently used in medical literature and among healthcare professionals. The navel's appearance varies greatly among individuals, influenced by genetics, body type, and even the way the umbilical cord was tied at birth.
Beyond its anatomical origin, the navel has featured in various cultural contexts, from a focal point in art and fashion to symbolic representations of connection to origin. Understanding its technical name is not only useful for medical contexts but also a common topic in general knowledge and, of course, crossword puzzles.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Contextual Clues: Always consider the context. If a clue asks for a "technical name," lean towards scientific or medical terminology rather than colloquialisms. This narrows down possibilities significantly.
- Letter Count is King: Use the given letter count strategically. For "technical name for the navel," if the grid offers 9 letters, UMBILICUS is a strong candidate. If it's 8, OMPHALOS might fit.
- Prefixes & Suffixes: Look for common medical or scientific prefixes (e.g., "omphal-" related to the navel) or suffixes that might hint at a technical term.
- Cross-Referencing: Don't be afraid to cross-reference with intersecting words. If a strong candidate for one clue clashes with an intersecting word, it's time to re-evaluate.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While "belly button" is the common term, crosswords often aim for the less obvious, more formal, or archaic words when "technical" or "ancient" is specified.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the common name for the umbilicus?
The common or everyday name for the umbilicus is the belly button or navel.
Why is the navel sometimes referred to as "omphalos"?
"Omphalos" is a Greek word meaning "navel." It's often used in medical or archaeological contexts, and historically referred to a sacred stone or object thought to mark the center of the world. It appears in crosswords due to its historical and linguistic relevance.
Are there different types of navels?
Yes, navels can generally be classified as "innies" (umbilicus inversus), which are concave, or "outies" (umbilicus eversus), which are convex. This variation is usually due to the amount of scar tissue left from the umbilical cord and how it heals.