English Reference
noun · verb

stomach

n. · v.
US /ˈstəmək/ UK /stˈʌmək/ stom·ach UK spelling stomachs

  1. 01 A2 Elementary Medicine

    n.the organ in your body where food is broken down after you swallow it.

    n.the internal organ in which the major part of the digestion of food occurs.

    Simple

    He felt a sharp pain in his stomach after eating the spicy meal.

    In context

    The lining of the stomach produces powerful acids and enzymes that are essential for breaking down complex proteins during digestion.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary Informal

    n.the front part of your body below the chest.

    n.the abdominal region of the body; often used informally to refer to the external belly.

    Simple

    The athlete did exercises to strengthen his stomach muscles.

    In context

    She lay on her stomach on the beach, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun on her back.

    abdomentummymidsection
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Literary

    n.the desire or courage to do something difficult or unpleasant.

    n.the appetite, inclination, or courage required to perform a task or face a situation.

    Simple

    I didn't have the stomach to watch the scary movie until the end.

    In context

    Few politicians had the stomach for the long, difficult reforms required to fix the national economy.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    v.to be able to accept or deal with something very unpleasant.

    v.to tolerate or endure something; frequently used in the negative to indicate physical or moral revulsion.

    Simple

    I can't stomach the way he treats his employees.

    In context

    The public could not stomach the graphic details of the crime, leading to widespread calls for the trial to be held behind closed doors.

    Usage

    Usually used in negative sentences or questions with 'can' or 'could'.


From Middle English stomak, from Old French estomac, from Latin stomachus, from Ancient Greek στόμαχος (stómakhos), from στόμα (stóma, “mouth”). Partially displaced native Old English maga, whence Modern English maw.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Ancient Greek στόμαχος
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated