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Chest: meaning, definitions and examples

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chest

 

[tʃɛst ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

body part

The chest is the front part of your body between your neck and your stomach. It contains the heart and lungs.

Synonyms

breast, thorax.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chest

This term is commonly used to refer to the front upper part of the human body between the neck and the stomach, including the ribs and the area where the heart and lungs are located.

  • He felt pain in his chest after running
thorax

This term is primarily used in medical and scientific contexts to refer to the part of the body between the neck and the abdomen, encompassing the rib cage and the organs within the chest.

  • The X-ray showed a fracture in the upper thorax
breast

This term is often used to refer specifically to the front part of a woman's chest, particularly the mammary glands. It can also refer to the same area in men, though this is less common.

  • She felt a lump in her right breast and decided to visit the doctor

Examples of usage

  • He placed his hand over his chest, feeling his heartbeat.
  • She took a deep breath, expanding her chest.
Context #2 | Noun

furniture

A chest is a large strong box with a lid, used for storing clothes, personal belongings, or other items.

Synonyms

cabinet, trunk.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chest

Suitable for referring to a sturdy box for storage, often with a hinged lid. It can contain clothes, valuables, or other personal items.

  • She stored her winter clothes in the chest.
  • The old sea chest was full of treasures.
trunk

Often refers to a large, sturdy container with a lid, used for traveling or storing large items. It can also refer to the main stem of a tree or the storage compartment of a car.

  • She packed her clothes in a trunk for the long journey.
  • The car's trunk was full of groceries.
cabinet

Used to describe a piece of furniture with doors and/or drawers, often used in kitchens, bathrooms, or offices for storing items like dishes, toiletries, or documents.

  • The kitchen cabinet was filled with plates and bowls.
  • He kept all his files in the office cabinet.

Examples of usage

  • She kept her valuables locked in the chest.
  • The chest at the foot of the bed stored extra blankets.
Context #3 | Noun

treasure

A chest can also refer to a treasure chest, a large box containing valuable items or treasures.

Synonyms

loot chest, treasure chest.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chest

A general term for a large, sturdy box with a lid, commonly used for storage of various items. It is the most versatile term among the listed options.

  • She kept all her old letters in a wooden chest
  • They discovered a dusty old chest in the attic
treasure chest

Used in contexts involving hidden or valuable treasures, often in stories of pirates, exploration, or historical novels. It emphasizes the preciousness and the adventure associated with the chest.

  • The pirate map led them to a buried treasure chest filled with jewels and gold coins
  • In her imagination, she always saw herself finding a treasure chest on a deserted island
loot chest

Typically used in gaming environments or narratives involving fantasy or adventure. It refers specifically to a chest that contains valuable items or rewards, often discovered after completing a quest or task.

  • After defeating the dragon, the heroes opened the loot chest to find gold and rare items
  • Players were excited about the new update that included legendary loot chests

Examples of usage

  • The pirate ship was filled with gold coins in various chests.
  • He discovered a hidden chest full of jewels.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from Old English 'cyst', which means a box or storage container.
  • Its roots can be traced back to Proto-Germanic 'kustin', which referenced a wooden box or chest.
  • The term evolved alongside other languages, such as the Old High German 'kusta', meaning chest.

Anatomy

  • The chest houses vital organs, including the heart and lungs, which are essential for breathing and circulation.
  • Rib bones protect the chest cavity, allowing for expansion and contraction when we breathe.
  • In fitness, chest exercises are popular for building upper body strength and improving posture.

Cultural Significance

  • Chests have historically symbolized wealth and safety, often used to hide treasures from thieves.
  • In some cultures, wooden chests are intricately decorated, representing craftsmanship and heritage.
  • The act of opening a chest in stories often signifies discovery or adventure, like finding lost pirate treasure.

Literature

  • In classic literature, chests are often used as plot devices, such as treasure chests in adventure stories.
  • Shakespeare’s plays frequently refer to the heart and chest, exploring emotions and human nature.
  • Edgar Allan Poe famously used the symbolism of a locked chest to represent hidden secrets in his short stories.

Pop Culture

  • Treasure chests are iconic in video games, signifying rewards or loot waiting to be claimed by players.
  • Movies frequently depict chest-based secrets, such as hidden messages or cursed treasures waiting to be uncovered.
  • Characters in cartoons often have exaggerated chests, symbolizing strength or charisma, like superheroes.

Translations

Translations of the word "chest" in other languages:

🇵🇹 peito

🇮🇳 छाती

🇩🇪 Brust

🇮🇩 dada

🇺🇦 груди

🇵🇱 klatka piersiowa

🇯🇵 胸 (むね)

🇫🇷 poitrine

🇪🇸 pecho

🇹🇷 göğüs

🇰🇷 가슴

🇸🇦 صدر

🇨🇿 hrudník

🇸🇰 hrudník

🇨🇳 胸部 (xiōngbù)

🇸🇮 prsni koš

🇮🇸 brjóst

🇰🇿 кеуде

🇬🇪 მკერდი

🇦🇿 sinə

🇲🇽 pecho

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,726, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.