umbilical

/ʌmˈbɪlɪkəl/
noun
  1. A cable or line that supplies power, fuel, or data to a piece of equipment, especially in space or underwater operations.
    • The astronaut disconnected the umbilical before stepping onto the lunar surface.
    • The submarine's umbilical provided communication and power while it was docked.
    • The technician checked the umbilical for any damage before the launch.
adjective
  1. Relating to the navel or the umbilical cord.
    • The umbilical region of the abdomen is located around the belly button.
    • The doctor checked the baby's umbilical stump to make sure it was healing properly.
    • Umbilical infections are rare if the area is kept clean and dry.
  2. Describing a very close, essential connection, like that between a mother and fetus.
    • Many startups have an umbilical dependence on venture capital funding.
    • The two companies shared an umbilical link through their joint research project.
    • The small town had an umbilical relationship with the nearby river for its water supply.
What does "umbilical" mean? | whatsthatwordmean | whatsthatwordmean