What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
pectoral
Example
He has well-developed pectoral muscles from working out at the gym. [pectoral: adjective]
Example
Bench press is a popular exercise for building pectoral muscles. [pectoral: noun]
thoracic
Example
The thoracic cavity contains vital organs such as the heart and lungs. [thoracic: adjective]
Example
The doctor ordered a thoracic CT scan to investigate the cause of the patient's chest pain. [thoracic: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thoracic is more commonly used than pectoral in medical and scientific contexts, while pectoral is more commonly used in fitness and exercise contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between pectoral and thoracic?
Thoracic is generally considered more formal than pectoral, as it is often used in technical and medical writing. However, both words can be used in a variety of formality levels depending on the context.
