intercostal

[ in-ter-kos-tl, -kaw-stl ]

adjective

1. pertaining to muscles, parts, or intervals between the ribs.
2. situated between the ribs.
3. Shipbuilding. noting a structural member situated between or divided by continuous members, as frames or keelsons.

noun

1. an intercostal muscle, member, or space.

intercostal

/ ˌɪntəˈkɒstəl /

adjective

1. anatomy between the ribs

   intercostal muscles

Other Words From

• inter·costal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercostal¹

From the New Latin word intercostālis, dating back to 1590–1600. See inter-, costal

Word History and Origins

Origin of intercostal¹

C16: via New Latin from Latin inter- + costa rib

Example Sentences

Left-hander Alex Vesia, who missed the National League Championship Series after suffering an intercostal injury in Game 5 of the NL Division Series, said he is “90% sure” he’ll be active for the Fall Classic, having completed bullpen sessions over the last week and a 15-pitch live batting practice session Wednesday.

From Los Angeles Times

Reliever Michael Grove was put on the 15-day IL because of a right intercostal muscle strain, an injury that is not expected to sideline the right-hander for more than a few weeks.

From Los Angeles Times

Third baseman Austin Riley is day to day with a left intercostal strain, and catcher Sean Murphy remains on the 10-day injured list with an oblique injury after he got hurt on opening day.

From Seattle Times

Garver, meanwhile, has suffered a forearm strain, a left-knee sprain and an intercostal strain among other setbacks.

From Seattle Times

In a field hospital in Al Mamoura, Dr. Mohamed Karrar improvised an intercostal drain system using a sterilized soda bottle to pump the blood from a gunshot victim’s punctured lung.

From New York Times