The plural form of cortex is primarily cortices, though cortexes is also widely accepted and used.
Understanding the Plural Forms of Cortex
The word cortex originates from Latin, and like many scientific and medical terms derived from Latin, it retains a Latin plural form. However, English often adopts foreign words and eventually forms a regular English plural. Both forms are considered correct, with cortices often favored in specific academic and scientific contexts.
| Form | Singular | Plural |
|---|---|---|
| Latinate | cortex | cortices (pronounced /ˌkoɚtəˈsiːz/) |
| Anglicized | cortex | cortexes |
Cortices: The Latin-Derived Plural
The plural cortices follows the Latin rule for nouns ending in -ex or -ix, which often change to -ices in the plural (e.g., index to indices, appendix to appendices). This form is particularly prevalent and often preferred in scientific, medical, and anatomical discourse.
- Pronunciation: /ˈkɔːrtɪsiːz/ or /ˌkɔːrtəˈsiːz/ (as given in the reference, it's /ˌkoɚtəˈsiːz/).
- Examples:
- "The brain consists of two cerebral cortices."
- "Several distinct renal cortices were observed in the study."
- "The outer cortices of the plant stems provide structural support."
Cortexes: The Anglicized Plural
The plural cortexes is formed by simply adding "-es" to the singular noun, which is the standard method for pluralizing most English nouns. This form is increasingly common and is perfectly acceptable, especially in general conversation or less formal writing. It reflects the natural evolution of English as it integrates foreign words.
- Examples:
- "Different brain cortexes are responsible for various functions."
- "The tree's tough outer cortexes protect it from damage."
- "We examined the sensory cortexes in both subjects."
Usage and Context
Choosing between cortices and cortexes often depends on the specific context and audience:
- Scientific and Medical Fields: In disciplines such as neuroscience, anatomy, botany, and medicine, cortices is generally the more formal and traditionally preferred plural. This usage reflects a respect for the term's Latin origin and its established presence in specialized literature. You can find more details on its usage on reputable dictionary sites like Merriam-Webster or Oxford Learner's Dictionaries.
- General English: In everyday language or non-specialized writing, cortexes is widely understood and used. It aligns with the common English pluralization rules and avoids the perceived formality or potential ambiguity some might feel with Latinate plurals. Both forms are considered grammatically correct by major dictionaries.
Ultimately, both cortices and cortexes are correct plurals for cortex. While cortices holds a traditional and formal edge in scientific discourse, cortexes is a perfectly valid and increasingly common alternative.
