What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thoracic
Example
The thoracic cavity contains the heart and lungs. [thoracic: adjective]
Example
The patient underwent thoracic surgery to remove a tumor from their lung. [thoracic: adjective]
pulmonary
Example
The patient was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a condition that causes scarring in the lungs. [pulmonary: adjective]
Example
The doctor ordered a pulmonary function test to assess the patient's lung capacity. [pulmonary: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Pulmonary is more commonly used than thoracic in everyday language, especially in medical contexts. Pulmonary is a more specific term that is often used to describe lung-related conditions and procedures, while thoracic is a broader term that is less commonly used.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thoracic and pulmonary?
Both thoracic and pulmonary are formal terms that are primarily used in medical contexts. However, pulmonary is more commonly used in medical settings and is therefore more likely to be encountered by ESL learners in formal contexts.
