Plural rules
Terms
undefined, object
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- plural rule #1
- for most words add -s
- plural rule #2
- words ending in -s, -z, -ch, -sh, o, and nonmedical -x add -es
- plural rule #3
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words ending in -y which are preceded by a consonant, change -y to -i and add -es.
if the -y is preceded by a vowel, add an -s. - plural rule #4
- words ending in -um change the -um to an -a.
- plural rule #5
-
words ending in -a add an -e.
*exceptions- words ending in
-oma and -gma add -ta.
stroma-stromata
and the words adnexa and genitalia appear only in the plural form. There are singular forms, but are not used.
Genitalis are normal (not "is") - plural rule #6
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words ending in -us, replace the -us with a single -i.
**exceptions- plexus and meatus: both forms are the same but they are treated as singular forms.
**viscus becomes viscera
crus becomes crura
corpus becomes corpora - plural rule #7
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words ending it -en, change the -en to -ina.
unusual ending, memorize these examples:
foramen becomes foramina
lumen becomes lumina - plural rule #8
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words ending in -is, change the -i to an -e.
*exceptions:
arthritis-arthritides
cuspis-cuspides
iris-irides - plural rule #9
-
words ending in either -ex or -ix replace the ending with -ices.
*exceptions: reflexes and if any other letter, except -n, precedes the -x, replace the -x with -ces.
if an -n precedes the -x replace the -x with -ges.
pharynx-pharynges - exception to rule #5
- adnexa and genitalia are used in plural form only. there are singular forms, but are not used.
- exceptions to rule #6
- plexus and meatus. these are treated as singular forms. both plural and singular are the same.
-
viscus
crus
corpus
what are the plurals? -
viscera
crura
corpora
these are exceptions to rule #6 - uncommon endings for rule #7
-
foramen-foramina
lumen-lumina
-en to -ina - exceptions to rule #8
-
arthritis-arthritides
cuspis-cuspides
iris-irides
changing -is to -es - exceptions to rule #9
- if any other letter, except -n, precedes the -x, replace the -x with -ces.
- exception to rule #9
-
if the -x is preceded by an -n, replace the -x with -ges.
pharynx-pharynges