What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
trephine
Example
The surgeon used a trephine to remove a piece of the patient's skull. [trephine: noun]
Example
The dentist used a trephine bur to remove a small section of the tooth. [trephine bur: noun]
Example
The carpenter used a trephine to create a circular hole in the wood. [trephine: verb]
burr
Example
The dentist used a burr to remove the decayed part of the tooth. [burr: noun]
Example
There were burrs left on the metal after it was cut with the saw. [burr: noun]
Example
The metal had a burr on the edge after it was cut with the grinder. [burr: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Burr is more commonly used than trephine in everyday language due to its versatility and use in various industries. Trephine is a specialized tool used mainly in medical or dental procedures.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between trephine and burr?
Trephine is a more formal word due to its specialized use in medical or dental procedures, while burr is a more casual word used in various industries and everyday language.