intercostal

[in-ter-kos-tl, -kaw-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

/ ˌɪntəˈkɒstəl /

adjective

1. anatomy between the ribs

   intercostal muscles

Other Word Forms

• intercostally adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercostal¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercostal¹

C16: via New Latin from Latin _inter- + costa rib

Example Sentences

He later confirmed he had torn an intercostal muscle.

From BBC

He won Thursday's match at Flushing Meadows, New York against Russian player Karen Khachanov, ranked ninth in the world, but retired from a later match - saying he had torn an intercostal muscle.

From BBC

He tore an intercostal muscle at the start of the year and trying to rediscover the action that brought so much success has been frustratingly elusive.

From BBC

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

Reliever Michael Grove was put on the 15-day IL because of a right intercostal muscle strain, an injury that is not expected to sideline the right-hander for more than a few weeks.

From Los Angeles Times