[W/K] :: rib grass

  Rib \Rib\, n. [AS. rib, ribb; akin to D. rib, G. rippe, OHG.
     rippa, rippi, Dan. ribbe, Icel. rif, Russ. rebro.]
     1. (Anat.) One of the curved bones attached to the vertebral
        column and supporting the lateral walls of the thorax.
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     Note: In man there are twelve ribs on each side, of which the
           upper seven are directly connected with the sternum by
           cartilages, and are called sternal, or true, ribs. The
           remaining five pairs are called asternal, or false,
           ribs, and of these each of the three upper pairs is
           attached to the cartilage of the rib above, while the
           two lower pairs are free at the ventral ends, and are
           called floating ribs. See Thorax.
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     2. That which resembles a rib in form or use. Specifically:
        (a) (Shipbuilding) One of the timbers, or bars of iron or
            steel, that branch outward and upward from the keel,
            to support the skin or planking, and give shape and
            strength to the vessel.
        (b) (Mach. & Structures) A ridge, fin, or wing, as on a
            plate, cylinder, beam, etc., to strengthen or stiffen
            it.
        (c) One of the rods on which the cover of an umbrella is
            extended.
        (d) A prominent line or ridge, as in cloth.
        (e) A longitudinal strip of metal uniting the barrels of a
            double-barreled gun.
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     3. (Bot.) The chief nerve, or one of the chief nerves, of a
        leaf.
        (b) Any longitudinal ridge in a plant.
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     4. (Arch.)
        (a) In Gothic vaulting, one of the primary members of the
            vault. These are strong arches, meeting and crossing
            one another, dividing the whole space into triangles,
            which are then filled by vaulted construction of
            lighter material. Hence, an imitation of one of these
            in wood, plaster, or the like.
        (b) A projecting mold, or group of moldings, forming with
            others a pattern, as on a ceiling, ornamental door, or
            the like.
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     5. (Mining)
        (a) Solid coal on the side of a gallery; solid ore in a
            vein.
        (b) An elongated pillar of ore or coal left as a support.
            --Raymond.
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     6. A wife; -- in allusion to Eve, as made out of Adam's rib.
        [Familiar & Sportive]
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              How many have we known whose heads have been broken
              with their own rib.                   --Bp. Hall.
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     Chuck rib, a cut of beef immediately in front of the middle
        rib. See Chuck.
  
     Fore ribs, a cut of beef immediately in front of the
        sirloin.
  
     Middle rib, a cut of beef between the chuck rib and the
        fore ribs.
  
     Rib grass. (Bot.) Same as Ribwort.
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  Ribwort \Rib"wort`\, n. (Bot.)
     A species of plantain ({Plantago lanceolata) with long,
     narrow, ribbed leaves; -- called also rib grass, ripple
     grass, ribwort plantain.
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