■ noun
1》 each of a series of slender curved bones articulated in pairs to the spine, protecting the thoracic cavity and its organs.
↘an animal ~ with meat adhering to it used as food.
2》 Architecture a curved member supporting a vault or defining its form.
3》 a curved transverse strut in a ship, forming part of the framework of the hull.
4》 each of the curved pieces of wood forming the body of a lute or violin.
5》 each of the hinged rods supporting the fabric of an umbrella.
6》 Aeronautics a structural member in an aerofoil.
7》 a vein of a leaf or an insect's wing.
8》 Knitting alternate plain and purl stitches producing a ridged, slightly elastic fabric.
■ verb ( ~s , ~bing , ~bed )
1》 mark with or form into ridges.
↘provide with ~s.
2》 informal tease good-naturedly.
Derivatives
~ber noun
~less adjective
Origin
OE ~ , ~b , of Gmc origin.