floating rib
noun
: a rib (such as one of either of the last two pairs in humans) that has no attachment to the sternum compare false rib
Examples of floating rib in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Skin farther up the neck to remove the neck meat, if desired. Find the floating rib, between the back of the chest cavity and forward of the hip bone.
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Will Brantley, Field & Stream, 20 Nov. 2020
Will Brantley, Field & Stream, 20 Nov. 2020
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'floating rib.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1831, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near floating rib
Cite this Entry
“Floating rib.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/floating%20rib. Accessed 2 Dec. 2023.
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Kids Definition
floating rib
noun
: a rib (as one of the two bottom pairs in human beings) that has no attachment to the sternum
Medical Definition
floating rib
noun
: any rib in the last two pairs of human ribs that have no attachment to the sternum compare false rib
More from Merriam-Webster on floating rib
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about floating rib
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