midriff

[mid-rif] /ˈmɪd rɪf/
noun
1.
diaphragm (def 1).
2.
the middle part of the body, between the chest and the waist.
3.
the part of a dress or bodice, usually close-fitting, that covers this part of the body.
4.
a garment that exposes this part of the body.
adjective
5.
noting or pertaining to the middle part of the human body, the part of a garment that covers it, or a garment that exposes it.
Origin
before 1000; Middle English mydryf, Old English midhrif, equivalent to mid(d) mid1 + hrif belly
Examples from the web for midriff
  • If you follow her career at all, at this point you could probably sketch her midriff from memory.
  • They also should not expose the midriff, back, or have revealing necklines.
  • Registrants will be responsible for cost of warm-ups, midriff, and bloomers.
  • Shorts, tank tops, or exposure of the midriff will not be considered to be acceptable attire.
  • Participants may not expose their midriff, cleavage or underwear.
  • Tops that expose the midriff or show excessive cleavage will not be allowed.
  • T-shirts which expose the midriff at a regular standing posture will not be allowed.
  • The midriff shirt is legal, if in the judgment of the referee, it does not hinder the defense from pulling the flag.
British Dictionary definitions for midriff

midriff

/ˈmɪdrɪf/
noun
1.
  1. the middle part of the human body, esp between waist and bust
  2. (as modifier): midriff bulge
2.
(anatomy) another name for the diaphragm (sense 1)
3.
the part of a woman's garment covering the midriff
4.
(US) a woman's garment which exposes the midriff
Word Origin
Old English midhrif, from mid1 + hrif belly
Word Origin and History for midriff
n.

Old English midhrif, from mid "mid" (see mid) + hrif "belly," from Proto-Germanic *hrefiz- (cf. Old High German href, Old Frisian hrif "belly"), from PIE *kwrep- "body, form, appearance" (see corporeal). More or less obsolete after 18c. except in phrase to tickle (one's) midriff "to cause laughter," the word revived 1941 in fashion usage for "portion of a woman's garment that covers the belly," as a euphemistic avoidance of belly; sense inverted and extended 1970 to a belly-baring style of women's top.

midriff in Medicine

midriff mid·riff (mĭd'rĭf)
n.
See diaphragm.