Wordnet 3.0
NOUN (1)
1.
the cartilages that connect the sternum and the ends of the ribs;
its elasticity allows the chest to move in respiration;
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Costal \Cos"tal\ (k?s"tal), a. [Cf. F. costal. See Costa.]
1. (Anat.) Pertaining to the ribs or the sides of the body;
as, costal nerves.
[1913 Webster]
2. (Bot. & Zool.) Relating to a costa, or rib.
[1913 Webster]
Costal cartilage. See Cartilage, and Illust. of Thorax.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
Cartilage \Car"ti*lage\, n. [L. cartilago; cf. F. cartilage.]
(Anat.)
A translucent, elastic tissue; gristle.
[1913 Webster]
Note: Cartilage contains no vessels, and consists of a
homogeneous, intercellular matrix, in which there are
numerous minute cavities, or capsules, containing
protoplasmic cells, the cartilage corpuscul. See Illust
under Duplication.
[1913 Webster]
Articular cartilage, cartilage that lines the joints.
Cartilage bone (Anat.), any bone formed by the ossification
of cartilage.
Costal cartilage, cartilage joining a rib with he sternum.
See Illust. of Thorax.
[1913 Webster]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
costal cartilage
n 1: the cartilages that connect the sternum and the ends of the
ribs; its elasticity allows the chest to move in
respiration