What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
ramus
Example
The ramus of the mandible is the vertical part of the lower jawbone. [ramus: noun]
Example
The anatomy class covered the ramus of the spinal nerve. [ramus: noun]
Example
The botanist identified the ramus of the rose bush. [ramus: noun]
spur
Example
The cowboy used his spurs to urge the horse forward. [spurs: noun]
Example
The hiker climbed up the spur of the mountain. [spur: noun]
Example
The coach gave the team a pep talk to spur them on to victory. [spur: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Spur is more commonly used than ramus in everyday language. Spur has a wider range of meanings and can be used in various contexts, such as outdoor activities, sports, or motivation. Ramus, on the other hand, is more specialized and is mainly used in academic or scientific fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between ramus and spur?
Ramus is more formal and technical in tone, while spur is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.