What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cervical
Example
She underwent cervical surgery to treat her condition. [cervical: adjective]
Example
The doctor examined her cervical spine for any signs of injury. [cervical: adjective]
cervix
Example
During labor, the cervix dilates to allow the baby to pass through. [cervix: noun]
Example
The doctor performed a pap smear to check for abnormalities in her cervix. [cervix: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cervix is more commonly used than cervical in everyday language, especially in discussions related to pregnancy, childbirth, and gynecology. Cervical is more commonly used in medical and scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cervical and cervix?
Both cervical and cervix are formal terms used in medical and scientific contexts. However, cervical can also be used in more general discussions about the neck or the cervix in a less formal manner.