Definition of belly

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< bellwort

bellyache >

bel·ly    (bl) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. bel·lies

1. See abdomen.
2. The underside of the body of certain vertebrates, such as snakes and fish.
3. Informal
   1. The stomach.
   2. An appetite for food.
4. The womb; the uterus.
5. 1. A part that bulges or protrudes: the belly of a sail.
   2. Anatomy The bulging, central part of a muscle.
6. A deep, hollow interior: the belly of a ship.

intr. & tr.v.
bel·lied, bel·ly·ing, bel·lies

To bulge or cause to bulge. See Synonyms at bulge.

PHRASAL VERB:
belly up

To approach closely: belly up to the bar.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English beli, from Old English belg, bag; see bhelgh- in Indo-European roots