I. “+|käst ə l adjective
Etymology: New Latin intercostalis, from Latin inter- + costa rib + -alis -al — more at coast
1.
a. : situated between the ribs
b. : of, relating to, or produced by the intercostal muscles
2. : situated between the veins or nerves of a leaf
3. : lying or fitted between the continuous members of a ship's frame
intercostal plate
intercostal keelson
intercostal angle iron
— see ship illustration
• in·ter·cos·tal·ly - ə lē, - ə li adverb
II. noun
: an intercostal part or structure