chest

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun the part of the human torso between the neck and the diaphragm or the corresponding part in other vertebrates
  2. noun box with a lid; used for storage; usually large and sturdy
  3. noun the front of the trunk from the neck to the abdomen

Etymology

From Middle English cheste, chiste, from Old English ċest, ċist (“chest, casket; coffin; rush basket; box”), from Proto-West Germanic *kistu (“chest, box”), from Latin cista (“chest, box”), from Ancient Greek κίστη (kístē, “chest, box, basket, hamper”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

thorax, pectus

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