solar plexus

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the celiac plexus: a network of autonomic nerves in the upper abdomen, behind the stomach, that distributes nerve fibers to abdominal organs

   The surgeon traced the pain to nerves near the solar plexus.

2. 2
   noun

   in ordinary use, the upper central abdomen or pit of the stomach, especially as a vulnerable place to receive a blow

   The punch caught him in the solar plexus and knocked the breath out of him.

From New Latin plexus solaris, literally 'solar network.' Latin plexus means a braid or interwoven network, from plectere, 'to plait or braid'; solaris means 'of the sun.' The anatomical name, recorded in English from 1771, compares the nerves radiating from the plexus to rays spreading from the sun.

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