What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ribs
Example
The doctor examined my ribs after I fell off my bike. [ribs: noun]
Example
We're going to grill some ribs for dinner tonight. [ribs: noun]
Example
The car's tires had deep ribs for better traction on wet roads. [ribs: noun]
costae
Example
The costae were clearly visible on the X-ray. [costae: noun]
Example
The cathedral's vaulted ceiling featured intricate stone costae. [costae: noun]
Example
The metal sheet had parallel costae to increase its strength. [costae: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ribs is more common and versatile in everyday language, while costae is more specialized and technical, mainly used in scientific or architectural contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ribs and costae?
Costae is more formal and technical than ribs, which is more casual and informal in tone.
