Definition of: rib

(rib) noun
1. Anat. One of the series of bony rods attached to the spine of most vertebrates, and nearly encircling the thoracic cavity. In man there are twelve ribs on each side, forming the walls of the thorax, of which the first seven (true or sternal ribs) are attached to the sternum, the last five (false or asternal ribs) being either attached by their edges to the rib above, as in the upper three, or free distally (floating ribs), as in the lower two. ♦ Collateral adjective: costal.
2. Something likened to the rib of animal; a ridge, strip, or band.
3. A curved side timber bending away from the keel in a boat or ship, or a curved timber or support in a vault.
4. A raised wale or stripe in cloth or knit goods, as stockings.
5. Aeron. An element in the construction of an airplane wing, usually extending fore and aft and crossing the wing spars, to hold the fabric of the wing in shape.
6. Bot. A vein or nerve of a leaf, especially the middle one; any ridge on a plant.
7. Cut of meat including one or more ribs.
8. A wife: in jocular allusion to Gen. ii 22.
9. Slang A practical joke.
—v.t. ribbed, rib·bing
1. To make with ridges: to rib a piece of knitting.
2. To strengthen or protect by or enclose within ribs.
3. Slang To make fun of; tease. [OE ribb]