What does "abdominal" mean?

1. (related to the stomach area) relating to the part of your body that contains your stomach and other organs. 2. (stomach muscles) one of the muscles in your stomach area. 3. (fish anatomy) having fins located on the bottom part of the body.

How do you use "abdominal"?

Usually placed before a noun. Almost always used in the plural form 'abdominals'.

abdominal

US //æbˈdɑmənəɫ// UK //æbdˈɒmɪnəl// ab·dom·i·nal

1 related to the stomach area (adj.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Medicine

relating to the part of your body that contains your stomach and other organs.

pertaining to the abdomen or the cavity between the thorax and the pelvis.

Example

He went to the doctor because he was having sharp abdominal pains.

Example

The surgeon noted that the patient exhibited significant abdominal swelling, suggesting a potential issue with the internal organs.

Usage

Usually placed before a noun.
- ventral
- stomach
2 stomach muscles (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Informal

one of the muscles in your stomach area.

an abdominal muscle, typically used in the plural to refer to the core musculature.

Example

You need to strengthen your abdominals to help with your back pain.

Example

The fitness instructor emphasized that while many clients focus on their abdominals for appearance, core stability is the primary functional benefit.

Usage

Almost always used in the plural form 'abdominals'.
- abs
- core

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3 fish anatomy (adj.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Science

having fins located on the bottom part of the body.

describing fish that have ventral fins located on the abdomen, posterior to the pectoral fins.

Example

The scientist identified the species by looking at its abdominal fins.

Example

The classification of these teleost fish relies heavily on the abdominal position of the pelvic girdle relative to the pectoral fins.
- ventral

Origin

First attested in 1746. From New Latin abdōminālis, from Latin abdōmen. Equivalent to abdomin- + -al. Compare French abdominal.