intercostal

American  

[in-ter-kos-tl, -kaw-stl] / ˌɪn tərˈkɒs tl, -ˈkɔ stl /

adjective

1. pertaining to muscles, parts, or intervals between the ribs.

2. situated between the ribs.

3. Shipbuilding. noting a structural member situated between or divided by continuous members, as frames or keelsons.

---

noun

1. an intercostal muscle, member, or space.

intercostal British  

/ ˌɪntəˈkɒstəl /

adjective

1. anatomy between the ribs

   intercostal muscles

---

Other Word Forms

• intercostally
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of intercostal

From the New Latin word intercostālis, dating back to 1590–1600. See inter-, costal

Example Sentences

Figure 11.18 Intercostal Muscles The external intercostals are located laterally on the sides of the body.

From Textbooks • Jun. 19, 2013

Intercostal neuralgia not unfrequently accompanies, and is sometimes a valuable indication of, phthisis.

From Neuralgia and the Diseases that Resemble it by Anstie, Francis E.

The eighth is the Os Vagum, or wandering Pair, which is united to the Intercostal Nerve, as also to the Recurrent, Diaphragmatick, Mesenterick, &c.

From The Compleat Surgeon or, the whole Art of Surgery explain'd in a most familiar Method. by Le Clerc, Charles Gabriel

Scoliosis showing Rotation of Bodies of Vertebræ, and widening of Intercostal Spaces on side of Convexity 469 230.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Miles, Alexander

Intercostal: between veins or costae; usually in the narrow grooves between veins in the costal region of a wing.

From Explanation of Terms Used in Entomology by Smith, John. B.