Chest

Definition

Chest is a noun with two main meanings. It refers to the front part of the human body between the neck and the abdomen, which contains vital organs such as the heart and lungs. Additionally, it can describe a large, strong box used for storage.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tʃɛst/
• Respelling: chest

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /tʃɛst/
• Respelling: chest

Etymology

The word "chest" originates from the Old English "cest," meaning "box" or "coffin," which derived from the Latin "cista," meaning "box" or "chest." It came into Middle English as "cheste," referring to a storage box and later extending to describe the upper body region.

Derivatives

• Chestnut (noun - originally referring to the color of the chestnut tree's wood)
• Chestful (noun - the amount a chest can hold)
• Chestlike (adjective)
• Treasure chest (noun)
• Chestpiece (noun - an item worn over the chest)

Synonyms

• Thorax
• Trunk
• Case (for the storage meaning)

Antonyms

• Back (for the body meaning)
• None (for the storage meaning)

Usage

The noun "chest" is commonly used in both anatomical and storage contexts. In anatomy, it refers to the upper part of the body: "He felt pain in his chest after exercising." As a storage term, it refers to a box for keeping items: "They stored old clothes in a wooden chest."

Related Terms

• Ribcage: The bones that protect the chest area in the human body.
• Container: An object for holding or storing items, similar in function to a chest.
• Trunk: Another term for a large storage box or container.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The upper front part of the human body, between the neck and abdomen: Refers to the area of the torso that contains the heart, lungs, and other vital organs.
  • Example: "He took a deep breath to expand his chest."
• A large, sturdy box used for storage: Describes a container, often with a lid, used for storing or transporting items.
  • Example: "They kept their valuables in an antique wooden chest."