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.
☞ 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.
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.
3. (Bot.) The chief nerve, or one of
the chief nerves, of a leaf. (b) Any
longitudinal ridge in a plant.
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.
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.
6. A wife; -- in allusion to Eve, as made out
of Adam's rib. [Familiar & Sportive]
How many have we known whose heads have been broken
with their own rib.
Bp. Hall.
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.