Rami Is the Plural of Ramus, an Anatomical Branch
Rami are branches in anatomy. The word keeps its Latin plural rather than adding an s.
Rami is the plural of *ramus*, Latin for a branch, used in anatomy for branching structures — the rami of the mandible, of a nerve, or of the pubic bone. The same root gives *ramify*, to branch out, and *ramification*, which literally means a branching and figuratively means a consequence: the ramifications of a decision are the branches that grow from it. Latin plurals in *-us* to *-i* survive mainly in technical vocabulary, where precision outweighs convenience.
- Anatomical branches. *The rami of the jaw.*
- Ramus — the singular. *A ramus.*
- To ramify. *Ramifying.*
- Ramification — a branching. *Ramifications.*
- Latin — *ramus*, a branch. *The root.*
Word forms
| Form | Word | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Singular | ramus | A ramus. |
| Plural | rami | Rami. |
| Verb | ramify | To ramify. |
| Noun | ramification | A ramification. |
| Latin | ramus | A branch. |
- The rami of the mandible.Anatomy.
- Ramus means branch.Etymology.
- The ramifications were serious.Figurative.
Latin plurals still in use
- Ramus to rami — anatomical branches
- Nucleus to nuclei — cell and atom centres
- Stimulus to stimuli — in psychology
- Radius to radii — in geometry
- Most survive where the field values precision
Latin *ramus*, a branch, plural *rami*, used in anatomical terminology.
What does ramification literally mean?
A branching. The figurative sense of a consequence comes from the image of branches growing from a decision.
Is it correct to say ramuses?
In anatomical writing the Latin plural rami is standard.