greater omentum: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1-C2Formal, Technical, Medical
Quick answer
What does “greater omentum” mean?
A large apron-like fold of visceral peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach and covers most of the intestines.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A large apron-like fold of visceral peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach and covers most of the intestines.
In medical contexts, it is a peritoneal structure involved in fat storage, immune response, and the sealing of injuries or infections within the abdomen. Colloquially, it may be referred to as a layer of abdominal fat.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical differences; spelling and pronunciation follow standard regional conventions.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in medical contexts.
Frequency
Exclusively used in medical and biological fields with equal rarity in general discourse in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “greater omentum” in a Sentence
The greater omentum {is attached to/covers/protects}...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “greater omentum” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The surgeon will omentalise the area.
American English
- The surgeon will omentalize the area.
adverb
British English
- The tissue was omentally adherent.
American English
- The tissue was omentally adherent.
adjective
British English
- There was significant omental fat.
American English
- There was significant omental fat.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Core term in medical, anatomical, and biological sciences.
Everyday
Virtually never used outside of medical discussions.
Technical
Essential term in surgery, radiology, pathology, and anatomy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “greater omentum”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “greater omentum”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “greater omentum”
- Misspelling as 'greater omentrum' or 'greater omenetum'.
- Using 'greater omentum' to refer to any abdominal fat.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. While it often contains substantial adipose tissue, it is a specific anatomical structure with roles beyond fat storage, including immune function and infection control.
Yes, all humans have a greater omentum. Its size and fat content can vary significantly between individuals.
Yes, it can be surgically removed (omentectomy), often in cancer surgery, and patients can live without it, though they may lose some abdominal immune protection.
The greater omentum hangs from the stomach and covers the intestines. The lesser omentum is a smaller fold connecting the stomach and liver.
A large apron-like fold of visceral peritoneum that hangs down from the stomach and covers most of the intestines.
Greater omentum is usually formal, technical, medical in register.
Greater omentum: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪ.tər əʊˈmen.təm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡreɪ.t̬ɚ oʊˈmen.təm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GREATER (larger) apron (OMENTUM) that a chef wears over their front; this one hangs from the stomach to cover the intestines.
Conceptual Metaphor
The body's security blanket or fire brigade: it wraps around and walls off areas of infection or injury.
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of the greater omentum?