1. the center or focal point of something
Usage: formal
2. a sacred stone at Delphi in ancient Greece believed to mark the center of the world
Usage: historical; mythology
3. the navel
Usage: anatomical; formal

Examples

• The ancient Greeks considered Delphi the omphalos of the world.
• The city served as the omphalos of trade in the region.
• The sacred omphalos stone was housed in Apollo’s temple.
• Many cultures have myths about finding the omphalos of the earth.
• The university became the omphalos of intellectual activity in the area.
• Pilgrims traveled to see the famous omphalos at Delphi.