noun
- Plural of omphalos; the navel or a navel-like depression or protuberance.
- In ancient Greek religion, sacred stones believed to mark the center of the world, especially the one at Delphi.
Usage: Formal or technical usage; Often used in anatomy or classical contexts
Usage: Historical and mythological context; Capitalized when referring to the specific stone at Delphi
Examples
- The omphaloses of the ancient Greek temples were considered sacred sites.
- In anatomy, omphaloses refer to various navel-like structures found in different organisms.
- The Delphic omphalos was one of the most important religious symbols in ancient Greece.
- Scholars have studied the omphaloses depicted in classical art and literature.
- The term omphaloses appears frequently in discussions of Greek mythology and religious practice.