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(), 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 th Rib v. t.[imp. & p. p.Ribbed (); p. pr. & vb. n.Ribbing.] 1. To furnish with ribs; to form with rising lines and channels; as, to rib cloth. 2. To inclose, as with ribs, and protect; to shut in. It [lead] were too gross To rib her cerecloth in the obscure grave. Shak. To rib land, to leave strips of undisturbed ground between the furrows in plowing. スポンサード リンク
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