intercostal
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˌɪntəˈkɒstəl/
KK: /ˌɪntərˈkoʊstəl/
adjective
Definition
Referring to something that is located or occurring between the ribs.
Example
The intercostal muscles help with breathing by expanding and contracting the rib cage.
Conversation
Have you ever heard of intercostal muscles?
Yeah, they're the ones between the ribs, right?
Exactly! They help with breathing and torso movement.
That's fascinating! I didn't know they were so important.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
ribbed
interstitial
between
Antonyms
external
outer
superficial
noun
Definition
A muscle or part located between the ribs that helps with breathing and movement of the chest.
Example
The intercostal muscles are important for expanding and contracting the rib cage during breathing.
Conversation
I just learned about the intercostal muscles in my anatomy class.
Oh really? What do they do?
They help with breathing by expanding and contracting the ribcage.
Root Explanation
Intercostal → It is formed from "inter-" (meaning between) and "costalis" (from Latin "costa", meaning rib). The term refers to the muscles or structures located between the ribs.
Memory Tip
Think of something that is located 'between' ('inter-') the 'ribs' ('costalis') — that's why intercostal refers to the area or muscles between the ribs.
Visually Confused Words
intracostal
intracoastal
pentecostal
intraosteal
infracostal
dorsointercostal
introrsal