4 syllables: in, ter, cost, al. Stress on cost.
in-tur-KAW-stuhl
/ˌɪn.tɚˈkɔstəl/
intercostal is pronounced in-tur-KAW-stuhl (/ˌɪn.tɚˈkɔstəl/). It has four syllables (in-ter-cost-al), with the stress on "cost". Intercostal refers to the muscles located between the ribs, particularly the intercostal muscles that assist with breathing. The term is often used in medical contexts to describe structures, nerves, or spaces between ribs. It denotes a relative anatomical position rather than a action or process, and is commonly encountered in clinical discussions and examinations of thoracic function.
Intercostal refers to the muscles located between the ribs, particularly the intercostal muscles that assist with breathing. The term is often used in medical contexts to describe structures, nerves, or spaces between ribs. It denotes a relative anatomical position rather than a action or process, and is commonly encountered in clinical discussions and examinations of thoracic function.
"The patient developed swelling around the intercostal spaces after the injury."
"Intercostal nerves can be affected by thoracic surgery, leading to referred pain."
"Anatomy students often memorize the intercostal muscles: external, internal, and innermost layers."
Phonetic guide: US: /ˌɪn.tɚˈkɒs.təl/; UK: /ˌɪn.təˈkɒs.təl/; AU: /ˌɪn.təˈkɒs.təl/. The primary stress is on the third syllable -cos- in most accents. Start with a clear 'in' (short i), then a schwa or relaxed 'ter' before the 'cos' with an open o, and end with a light 'tal'.
Common errors: 1) Misplacing stress (placing it on the second syllable). 2) Slurring the 't' into the 'l' at the end (inter-kos-tal should be clean t sound before the final l). 3) Vowel reduction in the middle (using a full /ɜː/ or /ɪ/ instead of a neutral schwa). Correction: emphasize -COS- with a clear /ɒ/ or /ɒ/ and keep the final -tal as a crisp /təl/.
US tends to pronounce as /ˌɪn.tɚˈkɒs.təl/ with a rhotacized central vowel in the second syllable; UK often uses /ˌɪn.təˈkɒs.təl/ with a shorter, non-rhotic second vowel and crisper 't' before 'l'; AU follows UK patterns but may feature a flatter /ɒ/ in some regions and slightly more vowel reduction in formal speech. Overall the primary stress remains on the third syllable, but vowel qualities vary subtly.
Key challenges include the multi-syllabic rhythm, the cluster -cos- followed by -tal, and the subtle vowel in the second syllable. The /ɪ/ vs /ɪ/ in US vs UK, and the tapping of the /t/ in rapid speech, can lead to misarticulation. Focus on clean separation of syllables and a distinct /t/ before the final -al to avoid merging.
Notice the three distinct phonetic windows: 1) 'in' with a short i; 2) 'ter' with a light schwa or rhotic vowel; 3) 'cos' with an open o and crisp /s/ then 'tal' with a final clear /l/. Keep the tongue elevated for /t/ and avoid nasalization on the middle syllable. You can practice by saying 'in-ter' slowly, then snap into 'COS-tal'.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "intercostal"!
Intercostal comes from Latin inter- meaning between and costa meaning rib. The root costa appears in anatomical terms for rib and coastal, which shares the sense of being “of the rib.” The combining form inter- (between) has ancient Latin roots in PIE*stere- forms, and in medical terminology, it attaches to bones or spaces between them, yielding intercostal as “between the ribs.” The term entered English medical usage in the 17th–18th centuries as anatomy advanced and rib-related structures were named with precision. Over time, intercostal broadened to describe not only muscles between ribs but spaces, nerves, and vessels that traverse that region, reinforcing its strict anatomical sense rather than a general directional cue. In modern usage, it is almost exclusively found in clinical anatomy and physiology contexts, maintaining its etymological link to the rib cage while extending to related anatomical features within that interspace.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "intercostal" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "intercostal" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "intercostal" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "intercostal"
-tal sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
