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stomach

n. · v.
US //ˈstəmək// UK //stˈʌmək// stom·ach
  1. 1 the organ (n.)
    A2 Elementary Medicine

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    The lining of the stomach produces powerful acids and enzymes that are essential for breaking down complex proteins during digestion.
  2. 2 the belly area (n.)
    A2 Elementary Informal

    the front part of your body below the chest.

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

    Example

    The athlete did exercises to strengthen his stomach muscles.

    Example

    She lay on her stomach on the beach, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon sun on her back.
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  1. 3 desire or courage (n.)
    C1 Advanced Literary

    the desire or courage to do something difficult or unpleasant.

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

    Example

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

    Example

    Few politicians had the stomach for the long, difficult reforms required to fix the national economy.
  2. 4 to tolerate (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

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

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

    Example

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

    Example

    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'.
Origin

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.

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