intercostal
Americanadjective
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pertaining to muscles, parts, or intervals between the ribs.
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situated between the ribs.
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Shipbuilding. noting a structural member situated between or divided by continuous members, as frames or keelsons.
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of intercostal
From the New Latin word intercostālis, dating back to 1590–1600. See inter-, costal
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He later confirmed he had torn an intercostal muscle.
From BBC ● Sep. 1, 2025
After feeling his side cramp up in the Dodgers’ decisive Game 5 win over the San Diego Padres in the National League Division Series, doctors determined he had injured his intercostal muscle.
From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 3, 2025
Garver, meanwhile, has suffered a forearm strain, a left-knee sprain and an intercostal strain among other setbacks.
From Seattle Times ● Feb. 12, 2024
In a field hospital in Al Mamoura, Dr. Mohamed Karrar improvised an intercostal drain system using a sterilized soda bottle to pump the blood from a gunshot victim’s punctured lung.
From New York Times ● Apr. 30, 2023
The openings of all the intercostal arteries are distinctly seen.
From Arteriosclerosis and Hypertension: with Chapters on Blood Pressure, 3rd Edition. by Louis Marshall Warfield
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