1. situated or occurring between the ribs
Usage: medical; anatomical

Examples

• The intercostal muscles help with breathing by expanding and contracting the rib cage.
• She felt sharp intercostal pain after the fall.
• The doctor examined the intercostal spaces between her ribs.
• Intercostal nerves run along the bottom of each rib.
• The injury affected the intercostal tissue.
• Physical therapy helped strengthen his intercostal muscles.