rib

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[[t]rɪb[/t]]

n. v. ribbed, rib•bing

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 containing a rib

3) cvb ribs

spareribs

4) archit.

a) one of several archlike members of a vault supporting it at the groins and defining its distinct surfaces

b) one of several ornamental projecting bands or moldings on the surface of a vault or ceiling dividing the surface into panels

5) something resembling a rib in form, position, or use, as a supporting part:

the ribs of an umbrella[/ex]

6) naut. navig. any of the curved framing members in a ship's hull that rise upward and outward from the keel; frame

7) a primary vein of a leaf

8) tex

a) a vertical ridge in cloth, esp. in knitted fabrics

b) a ridge, as in poplin or rep, caused by heavy yarn

9) a wife (in allusion to the creation of Eve. Gen. 2:21–22)

10) to furnish or strengthen with ribs

11) to enclose as with ribs

12) to mark with riblike ridges or markings

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Etymology: bef. 900; ME, OE rib(b); c. G Rippe II

rib

[[t]rɪb[/t]] v. t. ribbed, rib•bing

to tease; make fun of

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Etymology: 1925–30, amer.; appar. short for rib-tickle (v.)