n. In anatomy and zoology, a costa; a pleurapophysis, with or without a hemapophysis; the pleurapophysial element of a vertebra, of whatever size, shape, or mode of connection with a vertebra.n. That which resembles a rib in use, position, etc.; a strip, band, or piece of anything when used as a support, or as a member of a framework or skeleton.n. Specifically— Some part or organ of an animal like or likened to a rib; a costate or costiform process; a long narrow thickening of a surface; a ridge; a strip or stripe: as, one of the veins or nerves of an insect's wing; one of a set or series of parallel or radiating ridges on a shell; one of the ciliated rays or ctenophores of a ctenophoran.n. In ship-building, one of the bent timber or metallic bars which spring from the keel, and form or strengthen the side of the ship.n. In architecture: In vaulting, a plain or variously molded and sculptured arch, properly, supporting a vault, or, in combination with other ribs, the filling of a groined vault. In pointed vaults the groins typically rest upon or are covered by ribs; and secondary ribs connecting the main ribs, especially in late and less pure designs, are sometimes applied, usually as a mere decoration, to the plain surfaces of the vaulting-cells. The three main vaulting-ribs are designated as (α) groin-ribs or ogives, (β) doubleaux, and (γ) formerets. (See plan under arc.) Ribs upon the surfaces of the cells are known as surface-ribs. The groin-rib or ogive is also called the diagonal rib, because it occupies the diagonal of the plan of a quadripartite vault. See arch and arc.n. An arch-formed piece of timber for supporting the lath-and-plaster work of pseudo-domes, vaults, etc.n. In coalmining, a narrow strip or block of solid coal left to support the workings.n. One of the curved extension rods on which the cover of an umbrella is stretched.n. In botany: One of the principal vascular bundles, otherwise called nerves or veins, into which the primary bundle divides on entering the blade to form the framework of a leaf, commonly salient on its lower surface; a primary nerve: contrasted with vein and veinlet, the branches to which it gives origin. See midrib and nervation. A prominent line on the surface of some other organ, as the fruit.n. In cloth or knitted work, a ridge or stripe rising from the groundwork of the material, as in corduroy.n. In bookbinding, one of the ridges on the back of a book, which serve for covering the tapes and for ornament.n. One of the narrow tracks or ways of iron in which the bed of a printing-press slides to and from impression.n. In machinery, an angle-plate cast between two other plates, to brace and strengthen them, as between the sole and wall-plate of a bracket.n. In a violin or similar instrument, one of the curved sides of the body, separating the belly from the back.n. In gun-making, either of the longitudinally extending upper or lower projections of the metal which join the barrels of a double-barreled gun, and which in fine guns are often ornamented or of ornamental shape. The upper rib is called the top rib; the lower, the bottom rib.n. A piece of meat containing one or more ribs; a rib-piece: as, a rib of beef.n. A wife: in allusion to Eve, who, according to the account in Genesis, was formed out of one of Adam's ribs.n. A strip; a band or ribbon; a long and narrow piece of anything.To furnish with ribs; strengthen or support by ribs: as, to rib a ship.To form into ribs or ridges; mark with alternate channels and projecting lines; ridge: as, to rib a field by plowing; to rib cloth.To inclose as with ribs; shut in; confine.n. Hound's-tongue.n. Costmary.n. Water-cress.To dress (flax); ripple.n. An instrument for cleaning flax.n. In ceramics, a small piece of wood, leather, or calabash with a straight or curved profile, and usually having a hole in the center for the thumb and finger, used to smooth the surface of a vessel while it is revolving on the wheel. Also called profile or smoother.n. An abbreviation of Royal Institute of British Architects.
