false rib

noun

: a rib whose cartilages unite indirectly or not at all with the sternum compare floating rib

Word History

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of false rib was in the 15th century

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false return

false rib

false ring

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Style

“False rib.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/false%20rib. Accessed 14 Jul. 2025.

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Medical Definition

false rib

noun

: a rib whose cartilages unite indirectly or not at all with the sternum compare floating rib

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