1. (n.)rib 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.
Etymology: (1925–30, Amer.; appar. short for rib-tickle (v.))
Definition of 'RIB'
Princeton's WordNet
1. (noun)rib support resembling the rib of an animal
2. (noun)rib, costa any of the 12 pairs of curved arches of bone extending from the spine to or toward the sternum in humans (and similar bones in most vertebrates)
3. (noun)rib cut of meat including one or more ribs
8. (verb)ridicule, roast, guy, blackguard, laugh at, jest at, rib, make fun, poke fun subject to laughter or ridicule "The satirists ridiculed the plans for a new opera house"; "The students poked fun at the inexperienced teacher"; "His former students roasted the professor at his 60th birthday"
10. (noun)RIB in Gothic vaulting, one of the primary members of the vault. These are strong arches, meeting and crossing one another, dividing the whole space into triangles, which are then filled by vaulted construction of lighter material. Hence, an imitation of one of these in wood, plaster, or the like
11. (noun)RIB a projecting mold, or group of moldings, forming with others a pattern, as on a ceiling, ornamental door, or the like
12. (noun)RIB solid coal on the side of a gallery; solid ore in a vein
13. (noun)RIB an elongated pillar of ore or coal left as a support
14. (noun)RIB a wife; -- in allusion to Eve, as made out of Adam's rib
15. (verb)RIB to furnish with ribs; to form with rising lines and channels; as, to rib cloth
16. (verb)RIB to inclose, as with ribs, and protect; to shut in