from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Rib \Rib\, n. [AS. rib, ribb; akin to D. rib, G. rippe, OHG.
rippa, rippi, Dan. ribbe, Icel. rif, Russ. rebro.]
1. (Anat.) One of the curved bones attached to the vertebral
column and supporting the lateral walls of the thorax.
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Note: In man there are twelve ribs on each side, of which the
upper seven are directly connected with the sternum by
cartilages, and are called sternal, or true, ribs. The
remaining five pairs are called asternal, or false,
ribs, and of these each of the three upper pairs is
attached to the cartilage of the rib above, while the
two lower pairs are free at the ventral ends, and are
called floating ribs. See {Thorax}.
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2. That which resembles a rib in form or use. Specifically:
(a) (Shipbuilding) One of the timbers, or bars of iron or
steel, that branch outward and upward from the keel,
to support the skin or planking, and give shape and
strength to the vessel.
(b) (Mach. & Structures) A ridge, fin, or wing, as on a
plate, cylinder, beam, etc., to strengthen or stiffen
it.
(c) One of the rods on which the cover of an umbrella is
extended.
(d) A prominent line or ridge, as in cloth.
(e) A longitudinal strip of metal uniting the barrels of a
double-barreled gun.
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3. (Bot.) The chief nerve, or one of the chief nerves, of a
leaf.
(b) Any longitudinal ridge in a plant.
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4. (Arch.)
(a) In Gothic vaulting, one of the primary members of the
vault. These are strong arches, meeting and crossing
one another, dividing the whole space into triangles,
which are then filled by vaulted construction of
lighter material. Hence, an imitation of one of these
in wood, plaster, or the like.
(b) A projecting mold, or group of moldings, forming with
others a pattern, as on a ceiling, ornamental door, or
the like.
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5. (Mining)
(a) Solid coal on the side of a gallery; solid ore in a
vein.
(b) An elongated pillar of ore or coal left as a support.
--Raymond.
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6. A wife; -- in allusion to Eve, as made out of Adam's rib.
[Familiar & Sportive]
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How many have we known whose heads have been broken
with their own rib. --Bp. Hall.
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{Chuck rib}, a cut of beef immediately in front of the middle
rib. See {Chuck}.
{Fore ribs}, a cut of beef immediately in front of the
sirloin.
{Middle rib}, a cut of beef between the chuck rib and the
fore ribs.
{Rib grass}. (Bot.) Same as {Ribwort}.
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