[ ʌm'bɪlɪk(ə)l , ˌʌmbɪ'lʌɪk(ə)l ]
■ adjective
1》 relating to or affecting the navel or ~ cord.
2》 extremely close; inseparable: the ~ link between commerce and international rugby.
3》 (of a pipe or cable) connecting someone or something to a source of essential supplies.
■ noun short for ~ cord .
Derivatives
~ly adverb
Origin
C16: from Fr. ombilical , or based on L. umbilicus (see umbilicus ).