rib
1one of a series of curved bones that are articulated with the vertebrae and occur in pairs, 12 in humans, on each side of the vertebrate body, certain pairs being connected with the sternum and forming the thoracic wall.
a cut of meat, as beef, containing a rib.
ribs, spareribs (def. 2).
Architecture.
any of several archlike members of a vault supporting it at the groins, defining its distinct surfaces, or dividing these surfaces into panels: including ogives and tiercerons.
any of several molded members or moldings, including ridge ribs and liernes, and on the surface of a vault accenting the ridges or dividing the surface into panels.
something resembling a rib in form, position, or use, as a supporting or strengthening part.
a structural member that supports the shape of something: an umbrella rib.
Nautical. any of the curved framing members in a ship's hull that rise upward and outward from the keel; frame.
a stiffening beam cast as part of a concrete slab.
a primary vein of a leaf.
a vertical ridge in cloth, especially in knitted fabrics.
a ridge, as in poplin or rep, caused by heavy yarn.
a wife (in humorous allusion to the creation of Eve. Genesis 2:21–22).
Ceramics. a scraper for smoothing clay being thrown on a potter's wheel.
a metal ridge running along the top of the barrel of a firearm to simplify aligning the sights.
a longitudinal strip of metal joining the barrels of a double-barreled gun.
to furnish or strengthen with ribs.
to enclose as with ribs.
to mark with riblike ridges or markings.
Origin of rib
1Other words from rib
- rib·ber, noun
- rib·less, adjective
- rib·like, adjective
Other definitions for rib (2 of 2)
to tease; make fun of.
Origin of rib
2Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use rib in a sentence
As zealots poured in from Arkansas and Mississippi, a wire service reporter got punched in the ribs.
So what if she broke two ribs a couple years ago; so did Jack Bauer —perhaps twice.
As that clip played, Camille leaned over and gave her husband a playful poke in the ribs.
Why Comedians Still Think Bill Cosby Is a Genius | Mark Whitaker | October 5, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTSeason beef ribs with brown sugar, honey, onion powder, salt and pepper.
Epic Meal Empire’s Meat Monstrosities: From the Bacon Spider to the Cinnabattleship | Harley Morenstein | July 26, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTThey begin with a joust where Gautier pierces Bernier with his lance between his ribs.
The ‘GOT’ Red Viper and Mountain Duel, and a History of Medieval Trial by Combat | Steven Isaac | June 3, 2014 | THE DAILY BEAST
He was ready to drop when he reached it, and his heart beat like a hammer against his ribs.
The back, ribs and head of very beautiful small figured wood.
Violins and Violin Makers | Joseph Pearce"Kick a few uh his ribs out uh place for a starter," Piegan coolly advised.
Raw Gold | Bertrand W. SinclairShe paused for a fraction of a second, while his heart went thumping against his ribs.
The Wave | Algernon BlackwoodThese steel ribs and this whalebone make it more like a piece of harness than anything else I can think of.
The value of a praying mother | Isabel C. Byrum
British Dictionary definitions for rib (1 of 2)
/ (rɪb) /
any of the 24 curved elastic arches of bone that together form the chest wall in man. All are attached behind to the thoracic part of the spinal column: Technical name: costa Compare true rib, false ribs, floating rib
the corresponding bone in other vertebrates
a cut of meat including one or more ribs
a part or element similar in function or appearance to a rib, esp a structural or supporting member or a raised strip or ridge
a structural member in a wing that extends from the leading edge to the trailing edge and maintains the shape of the wing surface
a projecting moulding or band on the underside of a vault or ceiling, which may be structural or ornamental
one of a series of raised rows in knitted fabric: See also ribbing (def. 3)
a raised ornamental line on the spine of a book where the stitching runs across it
any of the transverse stiffening timbers or joists forming the frame of a ship's hull
any of the larger veins of a leaf
a metal strip running along the top of the barrel of a shotgun or handgun and guiding the alignment of the sights
a vein of ore in rock
a projecting ridge of a mountain; spur
to furnish or support with a rib or ribs
to mark with or form into ribs or ridges
to knit plain and purl stitches alternately in order to make raised rows in (knitting)
archaic to enclose with or as if with ribs
Origin of rib
1Derived forms of rib
- ribless, adjective
- riblike, adjective
British Dictionary definitions for rib (2 of 2)
/ (rɪb) informal /
(tr) to tease or ridicule
a joke or hoax
Origin of rib
2Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Scientific definitions for rib
[ rĭb ]
Any of a series of long, curved bones extending from the spine and enclosing the chest cavity. In mammals, reptiles, and birds, the ribs curve toward the center of the chest and in most cases attach to the sternum (breastbone). There are 12 pairs of ribs in humans. See more at skeleton.
One of the main veins of a leaf.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Other Idioms and Phrases with rib
see stick to the ribs.
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
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