ribcage
nounUK /ˈrɪb.keɪdʒ/
US /ˈrɪb.keɪdʒ/
The ribcage is the set of bones around your chest that keeps your heart and lungs safe.
She put her hand on her ribcage and took a deep breath.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The bony structure that supports the chest and helps with breathing.
The ribcage expands when you breathe in.
3. A protective frame or enclosure shaped like ribs.
The old ship's ribcage was all that remained of the hull.
4. The arrangement of curved supports in a building or object.
The ribcage of the greenhouse was made of metal arches.