Bellybuttons

/ˈbɛliˌbʌtənz/ noun

Definition

Plural of bellybutton; the small indented mark on a person's abdomen where the umbilical cord was attached before birth.

Etymology

From 'belly' and 'button,' combining the stomach area with 'button' (a small rounded object), because the navel resembles a button. This informal term became popular in the 20th century.

Kelly Says

Bellybutton is one of those perfectly logical folk words—someone centuries ago looked at a navel and thought 'that looks like a little button' and the name stuck forever!

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