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Citation Information
How to Cite
Manser, Martin H. "Adam's rib." Writer's Reference Center. Facts On File, Inc. Web. 18 Apr. 2025. <http://fofweb.infobase.com/wrc/Detail.aspx?iPin=DOA00036>.
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Adam's rib

Pronunciation pronunciation key
adămz

Definition 
A woman. The phrase alludes to the biblical origin of Eve, who, according to Genesis 2:21–23, was fashioned by God from a rib plucked out of Adam's body while he slept so that he might have a companion in Eden: "And the LORD God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam and he slept: and he took one of his ribs, and closed up the flesh instead thereof; And the rib which the LORD God had taken from the man, made he a woman, and brought her unto the man. And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man." As a consequence of the biblical tradition, for many years it was popularly believed that men had one rib less than women. The minister muttered something beneath his breath about how life would be a lot easier without the problematic legacy of Adam's rib and left shortly after.

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