What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
thoracic
Example
The thoracic vertebrae are located in the upper back. [thoracic: adjective]
Example
The patient underwent thoracic surgery to remove a tumor from their lung. [thoracic: adjective]
thorax
Example
The thorax of the bee contains the wings and muscles for flight. [thorax: noun]
Example
The doctor examined the patient's thorax for signs of injury. [thorax: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Thorax is more commonly used than thoracic in everyday language. Thorax is a more general term that can be used in a wider range of contexts, while thoracic is more specific and often used in medical or technical contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between thoracic and thorax?
Both thoracic and thorax are formal terms that are typically used in medical or technical contexts. However, thoracic may be slightly more formal due to its use as a technical term in medical fields.
