intercostal

adjective

in·​ter·​cos·​tal ˌin-tər-ˈkä-stᵊl 

: situated or extending between the ribs

intercostal spaces

intercostal muscles

intercostal noun

Examples of intercostal in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Knack has been on the IL with an intercostal strain suffered in spring training. — Bill Plunkett, Oc Register, 28 Apr. 2026

Amid the celebration, Rojas tweaked a nagging intercostal injury and woke up the next day aching, having trouble even lifting his arm over his head. — Gabe Smallson, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 Nov. 2025

The 26-page report describes two stab wounds — one to the right abdomen that perforated the liver and another to the left chest that penetrated an intercostal space. — Nancy Dillon, Rolling Stone, 23 Apr. 2026

Coastal Carolina right-hander Cameron Flukey was nails in his first start but was scratched from his second start with a strained intercostal muscle (the muscles between the ribs). — Keith Law, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2026

Word History

Etymology

New Latin intercostalis, from Latin inter- + costa rib — more at coast

First Known Use

1597, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for intercostal

• pentecostal
• costal
• hostel
• hostile
• subcostal

Medical Definition

intercostal

1 of 2 adjective

in·​ter·​cos·​tal ˌint-ər-ˈkäs-tᵊl 

: situated or extending between the ribs

intercostal vessels

intercostal spaces

intercostal

2 of 2 noun

: an intercostal part or structure (as a muscle or nerve)