Costogenic

/ˌkɑstoʊˈdʒɛnɪk/ adjective

Definition

Originating from or caused by the ribs or rib-related structures.

Etymology

From Latin 'costa' (rib) combined with '-genic' from Greek 'genesis' (origin, creation). This medical term classifies conditions or symptoms by their source—if pain is 'costogenic,' it means the rib or its attachments are the root cause.

Kelly Says

Doctors love words ending in '-genic' because they instantly identify the cause: costogenic pain comes from ribs, whereas the same pain might be cardiogenic (from the heart) or psychogenic (from stress)—one word tells you where to look.

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