Definition of "hypochondrium" [‖Hy•po•chon•dri•um]

• The upper lateral region of the abdomen, marked by the lower ribs. (noun)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "A swelling in the hypochondrium, that is hard and painful, is very bad, provided it occupy the whole hypochondrium; but if it be on either side, it is less dangerous when on the left."
• "Characteristically, the liver patient experiences pain just below the ribs of the right side of the abdomen, an area commonly called the hypochondrium, and liver patients are often unwittingly labeled as chronic “hypochondriacs.”"
• "Apply to the hypochondrium linseed by inunctions, taking care that he do not catch cold when the application is made; let it be in a tepid state, and boiled in water and oil."