costochondritis

noun

: inflammation of the cartilage connecting the ribs to the sternum (as that resulting from physical strain, injury, or infection) that is marked by usually bilateral chest pain : inflammation of the costochondral joints
Costochondritis symptoms are almost identical to Tietze syndrome, except costochondritis doesn't cause swelling that you can see or feel. It typically affects ribs lower down your ribcage—usually ribs two through five.Cleveland Clinic

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Costochondritis.” Merriam-Webster.com Medical Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/medical/costochondritis. Accessed 28 Aug. 2026.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!