true rib

noun

, Anatomy.

1. one member of the first seven pairs of ribs that are attached in humans to the sternum by costal cartilages.

true rib

noun

1. any of the upper seven pairs of ribs in man

Word History and Origins

Origin of true rib¹

First recorded in 1735–45

Example Sentences

When the piece is large, as of the South-Down or Cheviot, the gristly parts of the ribs may be divided from the true ribs, and helped separately.

From Project Gutenberg

They have sometimes prominences on the fruit and around the eye, but never true ribs.

From Project Gutenberg

In man, as a rule, there are but twelve vertebræ which develop true ribs.

From Project Gutenberg

The seven upper ribs are united to the sternum, through the medium of cartilages, and are called the true ribs.

From Project Gutenberg

In the highest forms of the Primates, the number of true ribs is seven, but in Hylobates there are sometimes eight pairs.

From Project Gutenberg