midriff

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the middle area of the human torso (usually in front)
  2. noun (anatomy) a muscular partition separating the abdominal and thoracic cavities; functions in respiration

Etymology

From Middle English midref, mydrif, from Old English midrif, midhrif (“the midriff; diaphragm”), from Proto-West Germanic *middjahrif. Equivalent to mid- + riff.

In classic literature

Synonyms

middle, midsection

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