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

An intercostal strain has limited Schauffele to just four starts this year on the PGA Tour. —Justin Ray, New York Times, 9 Apr. 2025

The Orioles’ offense is led by superstar shortstop Gunnar Henderson, who will begin the season on the IL with a strained intercostal muscle, and outfielder Colton Cowser, who hit 24 homers last year and finished second in the American League Rookie of the Year voting. —Jim Bowden, The Athletic, 24 Mar. 2025

Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said Wednesday that the star shortstop suffered a mild intercostal strain in spring training, and his timetable to return is uncertain. —Russel Honoré, Newsweek, 6 Mar. 2025

Schauffele's injury is an acute intercostal strain/micro tear. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 15 Feb. 2025

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)