chest

[chest]

noun

1. Anatomy.,  the trunk of the body from the neck to the abdomen; thorax.

2. a box, usually with a lid, for storage, safekeeping of valuables, etc..

   a toy chest; a jewelry chest.

3. the place where the funds of a public institution or charitable organization are kept; treasury; coffer.

4. the funds themselves.

5. a box in which certain goods, as tea, are packed for transit.

6. the quantity contained in such a box.

   a chest of spices.

7. chest of drawers.

8. a small cabinet, especially one hung on a wall, for storage, as of toiletries and medicines.

   a medicine chest.

chest

/ tʃɛst /

noun

1. 1. the front part of the trunk from the neck to the belly

   2. ( as modifier )

      a chest cold

2. informal,  to unburden oneself of troubles, worries, etc, by talking about them

3. a box, usually large and sturdy, used for storage or shipping

   a tea chest

4. Also: chestful. the quantity a chest holds

5. rare

   1. the place in which a public or charitable institution deposits its funds

   2. the funds so deposited

6. a sealed container or reservoir for a gas

   a wind chest

   a steam chest

Other Word Forms

• chestful noun
• chested adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chest¹

First recorded before 900; Middle English; Old English cest, cist, from Latin cista, from Greek kístē “box”

Word History and Origins

Origin of chest¹

Old English cest, from Latin cista wooden box, basket, from Greek kistē box

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. get (something) off one's chest, to relieve oneself of (problems, troubling thoughts, etc.) by revealing them to someone.

2. play it close to the chest. vest.

see off one's chest; play one's cards close to one's chest.

Example Sentences

Individuals with low or borderline scores, particularly if they report no chest pain or shortness of breath, are frequently reassured and discharged without further evaluation.

Read more on Science Daily

Silicone-based materials came into play for his face, soldiers, chest, back and right arm, since the material is clear and can be dyed to match the pigment of the creature’s skin.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Weeks later the chest still pounds, the throat still thickens, the mind still has not completely grasped.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Now that it’s exorcised and in the world, I miss my walks, my coffees, my blank page, my fire-filled chest.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He struck stardom after becoming the first Bollywood actor to bare his chest on screen, prompting a flood of love letters from female fans.

Read more on Barron's

Related Words

• breast 
• heart 
• rib cage