Rib

n. [A-S. rib, ribb, D. rib, Dan. ribbe, Sw. ref, Icel. rif; L. Ger. ribbe, O. H. Ger. ribbi, ribba, rip-pi, rippa, N. H. Ger. rippe, Russ. rebro.]

1Sense 1. (Anat.) One of the long bones inclosing the thoracic cavity.

In man, there are twelve on each side, of which the upper seven are called true ribs, from their cartilaginous connection with the sternum; the remaining five are the false ribs, of which the last two are called floating ribs.

2Sense 2. (Compar. Anat.) A pleuropophysis. See VERTEBRA.

3Sense 3. That which resembles a rib in form or use; as, (a.) (Ship-building.) A piece of timber which forms or strengthens the side of a ship. (b.) (Arch.) An arch-formed piece of timber for supporting the lath and plaster work of a vault; also, a molding or projecting piece upon the interior of a vault, or used to form tracery, and the like. Gwilt. (c.) (Bot.) Any marked nerve or vein of a leaf, especially the central longitudinal vein. Henslow. (d.) A prominent line or rising, like a rib in cloth.

4Sense 4. A wife; — an allusion to Eve, made out of Adam’s rib. [Vulgar.] Grose. Halliwell.

Ribs of a parrel, short pieces of plank having holes, through which are reeved the two parts of the parrel rope.