MUSCLES OF RESPIRATION. When the diaphragm contracts in inspiration, initially the lower ribs are fixed and the dome of the diaphragm descends, thus increasing the vertical diameter of thorax.
arrearage. 1  the state or condition of being in arrears. 2  Often, arrearages. arrears; amount or amounts overdue. 3  Archaic. a thing or part kept in reserve.
keep (sb) abreast of sth. âº to make sure you or someone else knows about the most recent changes in a subject or situation: I'll keep you abreast of any developments. two/three/four, etc abreast. âº If people who are moving are two/three/four, etc abreast, that number of people are next to each other, side by side: They were cycling four abreast, completely blocking the road. (Definition of âabreastâ from the Cambridge Learner's Dictionary Â© Cambridge University Press) Translations of âabreastâ.