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rib

 - 10 dictionary results
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rib

1  [rib] noun, verb, ribbed, rib⋅bing.
Use rib in a Sentence
–noun
1. one 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.
2. a cut of meat, as beef, containing a rib.
3. ribs, spareribs (def. 2).
4. Architecture.
a. 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.
b. any of several molded members or moldings, including ridge ribs and liernes, on the surface of a vault accenting the ridges or dividing the surface into panels.
5. something resembling a rib in form, position, or use, as a supporting or strengthening part.
6. a structural member that supports the shape of something: an umbrella rib.
7. Nautical. any of the curved framing members in a ship's hull that rise upward and outward from the keel; frame.
8. a stiffening beam cast as part of a concrete slab.
9. a primary vein of a leaf.
10. a vertical ridge in cloth, esp. in knitted fabrics.
11. a ridge, as in poplin or rep, caused by heavy yarn.
12. a wife (in humorous allusion to the creation of Eve. Gen. 2:21–22).
13. Ceramics. a scraper for smoothing clay being thrown on a potter's wheel.
14. a metal ridge running along the top of the barrel of a firearm to simplify aligning the sights.
15. a longitudinal strip of metal joining the barrels of a double-barreled gun.
–verb (used with object)
16. to furnish or strengthen with ribs.
17. to enclose as with ribs.
18. to mark with riblike ridges or markings.
Origin:
bef. 900; ME, OE rib(b); c. G Rippe

Related forms:
ribber, noun
ribless, adjective
riblike, adjective
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rib

2  [rib]
–verb (used with object), ribbed, rib⋅bing.
to tease; make fun of.
Origin:
1925–30, Americanism; appar. short for rib-tickle (v.)
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To rib
rib   (rĭb)   
n.  

  1. Anatomy

    1. One of a series of long curved bones occurring in 12 pairs in humans and extending from the spine to or toward the sternum.

    2. A similar bone in most vertebrates.

  2. A part or piece similar to a rib and serving to shape or support: the rib of an umbrella.

  3. A cut of meat enclosing one or more rib bones.

  4. Nautical One of many curved members attached to a boat or ship's keel and extending upward and outward to form the framework of the hull.

  5. One of many transverse pieces that provide an airplane wing with shape and strength.

  6. Architecture A long, narrow, usually arched member projecting from the surface of a structure, especially such a member separating the webs of a vault.

  7. A raised ridge or wale in knitted material or in cloth.

  8. Botany The main vein or any of the prominent veins of a leaf or other plant organ.

  9. Slang A teasing remark or action; a joke.

tr.v.   ribbed, rib·bing, ribs

  1. To shape, support, or provide with a rib or ribs.

  2. To make with ridges or raised markings.

  3. Informal To tease or make fun of. See Synonyms at banter.


[Middle English, from Old English ribb.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Slang Dictionary
rib

  1. n.
    a joke; an act of teasing. : I didn't mean any harm. It was just a little rib.
Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions by Richard A. Spears.Fourth Edition.
Copyright 2007. Published by McGraw Hill.
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Word Origin & History

rib 
O.E. ribb "rib," from P.Gmc. *rebja (cf. O.N. rif, O.Fris. ribb, O.H.G. ribba, Ger. Rippe), lit. "a covering" (of the chest), from PIE *rebh- "to roof, cover" (cf. O.C.S. rebro "rib"). The verb meaning "tease, fool" is first attested 1930, perhaps as a figurative extension of poking someone in the ribs. Rib joint "brothel" is slang from 1943, probably in allusion to Adam's rib (cf. rib "woman, wife," attested from 1589).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: rib
Pronunciation: 'rib
Function: noun
: any of the paired curved bony or partly cartilaginous rods that stiffen the lateral walls of the body ofmost vertebrates and protect the viscera, that occur in mammals exclusively or almost exclusively in the thoracic region, and that in humans normally include 12 pairs of which all are articulated withthe spinal column at the dorsal end and the first 10 are connected also at the ventral end with the sternum by costal cartilages —see FALSE RIB, FLOATING RIB, TRUERIB
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

rib (rĭb)
n.
One of a series of long curved bones occurring in 12 pairs in humans and extending from the spine to or toward the sternum.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
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Science Dictionary
rib   (rĭb)  Pronunciation Key 

  1. 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.

  2. One of the main veins of a leaf.


The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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Idioms & Phrases

rib

see stick to the ribs.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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Encyclopedia

rib

any of several pairs of narrow, curved strips of bone (sometimes cartilage) attached dorsally to the vertebrae and, in higher vertebrates, to the breastbone ventrally, to form the bony skeleton, or rib cage, of the chest. The ribs help to protect the internal organs that they enclose and lend support to the trunk musculature.

Learn more about rib with a free trial on Britannica.com.

Encyclopedia Britannica, 2008. Encyclopedia Britannica Online.
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