chest

chest · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    The front part of the human body between the neck and the abdomen, containing the heart and lungs.

  2. 2.

    A large strong box, typically made of wood, used for storage or transport.

  3. 3.

    A piece of furniture with drawers for storing clothes.

Forms

plural: chests

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    get something off one's chest — to confess or reveal something that has been troubling one
  • •
    chest of drawers — a piece of furniture with drawers for storing clothes
  • •
    treasure chest — a box containing valuable items
  • •
    puff out one's chest — to show pride or confidence
  • •
    play one's cards close to one's chest — to be secretive about one's plans

Related words

See also: box, breast, heart, trunk
Synonyms: box (container), coffer (container), thorax (anatomical), trunk (body)

Etymology

From Old English cest or cist ("box, casket"), from Latin cista ("box, chest"), from Greek κίστη (kistē, "basket, box"). The anatomical meaning developed from the metaphor of the ribcage as a container for vital organs.