What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
meatus
Example
The nasal meatus allows air to flow through the nose. [meatus: noun]
Example
The river flowed through a meatus in the mountains. [meatus: noun]
canal
Example
The Panama Canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. [canal: noun]
Example
The spinal canal protects the spinal cord. [canal: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Canal is a more commonly used term than meatus in everyday language, as it has a wider range of applications and is more familiar to non-medical professionals.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between meatus and canal?
Both meatus and canal can be used in formal and technical contexts, but meatus may be more commonly used in medical or scientific settings due to its technical nature.
