Belly
/ˈbɛl.i/noun
The front part of the human trunk below the ribs, containing the digestive organs.
Did you know?In ancient Rome, the belly was often associated with the underworld, symbolizing both nourishment and decay, linking it to life and death rituals.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰel-
“To swell, to grow, often associated with the notion of life-sustaining nourishment.”
Old English
OE
belly
“The stomach or womb; associated with nurturing and the source of life.”
Old High German
OHG
belli
“The belly or stomach; similarly linked to nurturing.”
Middle English
ME
bely
“The belly; retaining the earlier meanings of nourishment.”
Modern English
English
belly
“The human abdomen, often still evoking notions of creation and decay.”