Definition of the word stomach

The word "stomach" originates from the Greek word "stomachos," which means "maw" or "gullet." In ancient Greek, the term referred not only to the physical organ but also to the act of eating or devouring. The Greek physician Galen (129-216 AD) used the term to describe the process of digestion. The Latin translation of "stomachos" is "stomachus," which was adopted into Middle English as "stomach" or "stomachly." The modern English word "stomach" refers specifically to the digestive organ, although it can also be used metaphorically to describe the emotional or mental ability to "digest" information or experiences. Throughout its evolution, the word "stomach" has retained its association with food, eating, and the process of digestion, reflecting the fundamental importance of these bodily functions in human life.