Latin and Greek vs English - Plurals

AMA Manual of Style - Stacy L. Christiansen, Cheryl Iverson 2020

Latin and Greek vs English
Plurals

There is a trend toward using English plurals rather than Latin or Greek, particularly for more common words (Table 9.4-1). However, in most cases the latest edition of Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary or Dorland’s or Stedman’s medical dictionary should be followed. Consistency within a manuscript is key.

Table 9.4-1. Preferred Plurals for Latin and Greek Words

Singular

Preferred plural

alga

algae

amoeba

amoebas

appendix

appendixes or appendices [consult dictionary for specific usage]

cannula

cannulas

condyloma acuminatum

condylomata acuminata [with 2-word Latin plural, both parts become plural]

cranium

crania

esophagus

esophagi

fistula

fistulas

formula

formulas

genus

genera

index

indexes or indices [consult dictionary for specific usage]

maxilla

maxillas

orbit

orbits

rhytid

rhytids

sequela

sequelae

vertebra

vertebrae