umbilical cord
US /ʌmˈbɪl.ɪ.kəl ˌkɔːrd/
UK /ʌmˈbɪl.ɪ.kəl ˌkɔːrd/
1.
a flexible cordlike structure containing blood vessels and attaching a human or other mammalian fetus to the placenta during gestation
:
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The doctor clamped and cut the umbilical cord after the baby was born.
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The umbilical cord provides nutrients and oxygen to the developing fetus.
2.
a connection or link that is essential or that provides support, especially one that is difficult to break
:
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He still has an umbilical cord to his mother, calling her for every decision.
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The company's dependence on that single client was like an umbilical cord, making them vulnerable.