Anat. [L. viscus, usually in pl. viscera VISCERA.] One or other of the soft internal organs of the body.
1728. Chambers, Cycl., Liver, a large glandulous Viscus, of a red sanguine Colour [etc.].
1754–64. Smellie, Midwif., I. 144. A tension of the part ensues affecting the nerves of that Viscus.
1771. Encycl. Brit., I. 238/1. It passes next behind the liver, through the great sinus of that viscus.
1804. Abernethy, Surg. Obs., 236. I felt the bladder, and could puncture that viscus.
1839–47. Todd’s Cycl. Anat., III. 208/2. In other parts of the body they assume various appearances peculiar to each viscus or organ.
1879. Spencer, Data Ethics, iii. 33. Imperfection of any viscus, as lungs, heart or liver.
transf. 1829. T. Castle, Introd. Bot., 260. Sap or lymph … must either be intermediately conveyed to some viscus proper to give it elaboration, or immediately distributed throughout the whole body of the plant.
