What does viscus mean?
Viscus is a singular noun for an internal organ, especially one of the organs contained in the abdominal cavity. In anatomy and surgery, it can refer to a specific organ such as the stomach, liver, or intestine; more broadly, it means an internal organ. Its familiar-looking plural is viscera, which is also used collectively for the internal organs, especially those of the abdomen. Contemporary English uses viscus mainly in medical and anatomical writing, while viscera is more common when discussing organs as a group. The word therefore has a clinical and technical tone rather than an everyday one, although it also appears in legal and literary language concerning the body. Knowing the irregular singular–plural relationship is essential: one viscus, but many viscera. The word also anchors a useful Latin-derived family that includes the adjective visceral and the verb viscerate.
nounAn internal organ, especially one of the organs within the abdominal cavity. Its plural is viscera.
- An internal organ, especially an organ of the abdominal cavity.
"The CT scan revealed a ruptured viscus."
"The CT scan revealed a ruptured viscus."
"The anatomical drawing labels each viscus and the blood vessels surrounding it."
The irregular plural of viscus, used both for several internal organs and collectively for the organs of the abdomen.
"The surgeon examined the viscera for signs of internal bleeding."
One viscus, many viscera: the word hides an irregular plural that trips up even careful writers.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does viscus come from?
Viscus comes from Latin viscus, meaning an internal organ or entrails, with the Latin plural viscera strongly influencing the word's development in English. It entered English through anatomical and medical writing, where the singular continued to be used for an individual organ while the plural viscera became usual in collective descriptions. Its English relatives include visceral, viscerate, and visceration, all associated with the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How viscus is actually used
Chiefly a formal or technical term used in anatomy, medicine, pathology, and surgery. Outside medical contexts, it may sound literary, archaic, or intentionally clinical.
Easily confused with viscus
Viscus is the singular noun, while viscera is its irregular plural and is also used collectively for internal organs.
Viscus names an internal organ, whereas viscous is an adjective meaning thick or sticky.