Rib

rib, n. one of the bones from the backbone which encircle the chest: anything like a rib in form or use: a piece of meat containing one or more ribs: a piece of timber which helps to form or strengthen the side of a ship: a vein of a leaf, or an insect's wing: a prominence running in a line: a ridge: ( arch it. ) a moulding or projecting band on a ceiling: one of the rods on which the cover of an umbrella is extended: ( coll. ) a wife (from Gen. ii., 21-23).— v.t. to furnish or enclose with ribs: to form with rising lines—as corduroy: to enclose:— pr.p. rib′bing; pa.t. and pa.p. ribbed.— ns. Rib′-band , a piece of timber bolted longitudinally to the ribs of a ve el to hold them in position; Rib′bing , an arrangement of ribs; Rib′-gra , the ribwort plantain.— adj. Rib′le , having no ribs.— n. Rib′let , a rudimentary rib.— adjs. Rib′-like , like a rib: resembling a rib; Rib′-nosed , having the snout ribbed, as a baboon.— v.t. Rib′-roast , to beat soundly.— ns. Rib′-roast′er ( coll. ), a severe blow on the ribs; Rib′-roast′ing , a severe beating; Rib′-vault′ing . [A.S. ribb ; Ger. rippe .]