What does intercostal mean?
Intercostal describes anything situated between the ribs. As an adjective, it is used chiefly in anatomy and medicine, especially in references to the muscles that move and stabilize the rib cage, the spaces between the ribs, and the nerves that run through those spaces. The muscles of this group help with breathing, coughing, and trunk movement. As a noun, “intercostal” names one of these muscles; in general use, writers usually say “intercostals” when discussing the group as a whole. The word is technical but perfectly standard in clinical and anatomical writing, rather than unusual or archaic. It is also a precise alternative to the plainer phrase “between the ribs,” particularly when describing the chest wall or respiratory anatomy. Its clearest significance is anatomical: it identifies structures occupying the spaces within the rib cage rather than the ribs themselves.
Lying, situated, or occurring between adjacent ribs.
"The scan showed widening of the intercostal space."
Used especially in anatomical, clinical, and medical contexts.
A muscle situated between adjacent ribs.
"The cough tightened the intercostals around his torso."
The plural “intercostals” is more usual when referring to this muscle group collectively.
The plural is standard when referring collectively to the muscles between the ribs; the singular is also used for an individual muscle.
"Deep breathing engages both the external and internal intercostals."
Intercostal literally means “between the ribs”: a group of muscles that turns the rib cage into a remarkably coordinated breathing machine.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does intercostal come from?
The word combines the Latin prefix inter-, meaning “between,” with costal, which derives from Latin costa, meaning “rib.” Its anatomical use reflects the established Latin compound intercostalis, meaning “between the ribs.” Related English words such as costal, costate, and costectomy continue to derive from the same Latin root for “rib.”
Related word forms
How intercostal is actually used
This is primarily anatomical and medical vocabulary. The noun is commonly used in the plural when referring collectively to the muscles, while the adjective commonly appears as a modifier.
Easily confused with intercostal
Costal means relating to the ribs themselves, whereas intercostal specifies a position or structure between adjacent ribs.