exomphalos

9.9

A condition at birth where part of the belly sticks out at the navel

noun
/ˌɛk.sɒmˈfeɪ.ləs/

Specialized

: exomfalo

The newborn was diagnosed with an exomphalos that required immediate surgical intervention.

Examples

Prenatal scans can often detect an exomphalos before birth.
Doctors explained that the baby's exomphalos would be managed in a neonatal intensive care unit.
The newborn was diagnosed with an exomphalos shortly after birth.
Doctors explained that an exomphalos occurs when organs protrude.
Doctors explained that the baby's exomphalos would be managed in a neonatal intensive care unit.
Prenatal scans can often detect an exomphalos before birth.
The newborn was diagnosed with an exomphalos that required immediate surgical intervention.

Synonyms

umbilical hernia

vsexomphalos

Specialized

1 6.5

A bulge near the belly button where part of the gut pushes through the stomach wall

involves organs extending into the umbilical cord base rather than only a wall bulge

omphalocele

vsexomphalos

Specialized

1 9.9

A birth defect where a baby's intestines stick out near the belly button

occurs specifically with organs protruding into the cord base at birth

acromphalus

vsexomphalos

Specialized

9.9

A bulge at the belly button that may be an early sign of a hernia

represents a milder or earlier navel change than full organ protrusion

Surface Forms

exomphalos singular

exomphali plural

Morphology

exomphalos = omphalos (opaque) = exo + omphalos

Built from Greek combining forms 'exo-' (outside) + 'omphalos' (navel); both elements are technical and unlikely to be known by B1 learners, so the medical meaning is not readily inferable.

Etymology

The word exomphalos comes from the Greek parts exo- meaning 'outside' and omphalos meaning 'navel' or 'belly button'. So it means 'outside the navel', which explains why the word describes a condition where a baby's organs stick out at the belly button.