stomach
UK: ˈstʌmək | US: ˈstʌmək
n. the internal organ in which food is digested
n. the abdominal area or belly
vt. to tolerate or endure something (often used negatively, e.g., "I can't stomach his arrogance")
stom<mouth> + ach<noun suffix>
- stom<mouth>: From Greek stoma (mouth), referring to the opening or entrance of the digestive tract.
- ach<noun suffix>: A suffix derived from Greek -akhos, often denoting a container or vessel.
Etymology Origin:
The word stomach traces back to Greek stomakhos (throat, gullet), from stoma (mouth). It originally referred to the esophagus or throat as the "mouth" of the digestive system. Over time, its meaning shifted to the organ where digestion occurs, reflecting the broader anatomical understanding in Latin (stomachus) and Old French (estomac). The verb form ("to stomach") metaphorically extends the idea of "digesting" to abstract tolerance.
She felt a sharp pain in her stomach after eating too quickly.
The doctor examined his stomach for signs of infection.
He couldn't stomach the idea of working with someone so dishonest.
Her stomach growled loudly during the meeting.
The medication may cause mild stomach discomfort.