# umbilical

/əmˈbɪɫɪkəɫ/ (US) · /ʌmbˈɪlɪkəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/umbilical
Updated: 2026-05-11

## Definition

relating to the cord that connects a baby to its mother before birth. It can also describe a very strong connection between two things that depend on each other.

For teachers: relating to the cord connecting a fetus to the placenta, or describing a central, vital connection between two entities. Often used in technical medical contexts or as a metaphor for deep dependency.

## Examples

- The doctor carefully cut the umbilical cord after the birth.
- The small colony maintained an umbilical connection to the mainland through a single daily supply flight.
- In aerospace engineering, an umbilical cable provides essential power and data to a rocket on the launch pad until the moment of ignition.

## Usage notes

- Typically used attributively before a noun, most commonly in the fixed phrase 'umbilical cord'.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.