The phrase "pit of the stomach" refers to the part of the abdomen just below the diaphragm. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA): /pɪt əv ðə ˈstʌmək/. The first syllable "pit" is pronounced with an unvoiced "p" sound followed by a short "i." The second syllable "of" is pronounced with a short "o" sound and the consonant "f." The third syllable "the" is pronounced with the voiced "th" sound. The final syllable "stomach" is pronounced with a short "u" sound followed by the consonant cluster "m-k."
The "pit of the stomach" refers to an anatomical region in the abdominal cavity which is commonly associated with deep emotions or sensations. This term is often used figuratively to describe a feeling of unease, fear, anxiety, or intense apprehension experienced in this area. The pit of the stomach is located in the upper abdomen, just below the ribcage and slightly above the navel, near the solar plexus.
When someone experiences a sensation or emotion in the pit of their stomach, it is typically described as a tight, sinking, or fluttery feeling. This sensation is often linked to the body's response to intense emotions such as fear, excitement, or intense stress. Many people may have experienced this sensation before important events, such as public speaking, job interviews, or during moments of anticipation or suspense. It is believed that the connection between the pit of the stomach and emotions stems from the body's physiological response to stress, which can trigger the release of stress hormones like adrenaline that affect the digestive system.
The pit of the stomach is considered a metaphorical marker for an instinctual or gut feeling, as it is often associated with intuition or a sense of unease when something feels off or wrong. Symbolically, it represents the core or center of one's emotions and can provide valuable information about one's emotional state, as well as a physical manifestation of psychological experiences.
Scrobiculus cordis, the depression in the epigastrium just below the xiphoid cartilage.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.