n. & v.
--n.
1. each of the curved bones articulated in pairs to the spine and protecting the thoracic cavity and its organs.
2 a joint of meat from this part of an animal.
3 a ridge or long raised piece often of stronger or thicker material across a surface or through a structure serving to support or strengthen it.
4 any of a ship's transverse curved timbers forming the framework of the hull.
5 Knitting a combination of plain and purl stitches producing a ribbed somewhat elastic fabric.
6 each of the hinged rods supporting the fabric of an umbrella.
7 a vein of a leaf or an insect's wing.
8 Aeron. a structural member in an aerofoil.
--v.tr. (ribbed, ribbing)
1. provide with ribs; act as the ribs of.
2 colloq. make fun of; tease.
3 mark with ridges.
4 plough with spaces between the furrows.
Derivatives:
ribless adj.
Etymology: OE rib, ribb f. Gmc