um·bil·i·cal cord 
/ˌʌmˈbɪlɪkəl-/ noun
plural ∼ cords /ˌʌmˈbɪlɪkəl-/ noun [count] : a long, narrow tube that connects an unborn baby to the placenta of its mother — sometimes used figuratively ▪ The time has come to cut/sever the umbilical cord that keeps us dependent on foreign aid.
