Omenta

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A fold of peritoneum that supports the stomach and intestines while enclosing the abdominal organs
2. A protective layer of fatty tissue that hangs from the stomach and surrounds the intestines, often involved in immune response
3. An anatomical structure providing support and protection to the abdominal contents, playing roles in digestion and immunity

Etymology: "Omenta" is the plural of "omentum," a Latin neuter noun that English adopted along with its Latin plural ending, so anatomists still use the "-a" form. Roman writers linked the Latin noun to "obuere," meaning "to cover over," which fits the membrane's role wrapping the abdominal organs, though modern etymologists treat that connection as uncertain.