# Solar Plexus, what is the translation?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-plexus-what-is-the-translation/470064>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [October 29, 2008, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-plexus-what-is-the-translation/470064 "2008-10-29T11:52:16Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 3\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![Simple\_Mind](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/7cd45c/32.png) [@Simple\_Mind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Simple_Mind)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2008, 11:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-plexus-what-is-the-translation/470064/1 "2008-10-29T11:52:16Z")

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The “Solar Plexus” located above our navel, what is the english translation and why was it named that way. What is the reason that it is considered the center of our Body?  
Regards

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**Author:** ![SharkB8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/977dab/32.png) [@SharkB8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SharkB8)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2008, 12:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-plexus-what-is-the-translation/470064/2 "2008-10-29T12:04:21Z")

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I found this definition for “solar plexus” AKA celiac (of the small intestine?) plexus: [SOLAR PLEXUS Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster](http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/solar+plexus)

> [@](#):
>
> Etymology: from the radiating nerve fibers  
> 1 : a nerve plexus in the abdomen that is situated behind the stomach and in front of the aorta and the crura of the diaphragm and contains several ganglia distributing nerve fibers to the viscera

I’m assuming you can say the whole “radiating” etymology can be likened to “solar” as in the literal radiation from the sun, and plexus, being a bundle of nerves…connecting to your small intestine?

Just a guess…nothing really concrete. After reading and researching your question, I suddenly feel a bit like doubling over and puking!

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**Author:** ![pravnik](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/8edcca/32.png) [@pravnik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/pravnik)\
**Post date:** [October 29, 2008, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/solar-plexus-what-is-the-translation/470064/3 "2008-10-29T13:57:31Z")

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From the online etymology dictionary:

solar, c.1450, from L. solaris “of the sun,” from sol “sun” (see sol). Meaning “living room on an upper story” is from O.E., from L. solarium (see solarium). Solar power is attested from 1915. Solar system is attested from c.1704. Solar plexus (1771) “complex of nerves in the pit of the stomach,” apparently so called from its central position in the body.

> **[solar | Search Online Etymology Dictionary](https://www.etymonline.com/search?q=solar)**
>
> The online etymology dictionary (etymonline) is the internet's go-to source for quick and reliable accounts of the origin and history of English words, phrases, and idioms. It is professional enough to satisfy academic standards, but accessible...