What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
stenosis
Example
The patient was diagnosed with stenosis of the aortic valve. [stenosis: noun]
Example
The MRI showed stenosis of the spinal canal. [stenosis: noun]
narrowing
Example
The narrowing of the road caused traffic congestion. [narrowing: noun]
Example
The doctor observed narrowing of the airway on the X-ray. [narrowing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Narrowing is more commonly used than stenosis in everyday language. Narrowing is a versatile word that can be used in both medical and non-medical contexts, while stenosis is primarily used in medical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between stenosis and narrowing?
Stenosis is a more technical and clinical term that is typically used in formal or medical contexts, while narrowing is a more general term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.