coronal: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Technical/scientific (anatomy, phonetics, astronomy, dentistry); literary/poetic (crown-related).
Quick answer
What does “coronal” mean?
Related to a crown or the top of something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Related to a crown or the top of something; relating to the crown of the head.
In phonetics: a sound produced with the front part of the tongue (the corona). In astronomy/solar physics: relating to the sun's corona. In anatomy: relating to the coronal suture of the skull or the frontal plane of the body. In dentistry: relating to the crown of a tooth.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major semantic differences. Both use the term identically in technical registers.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in general language, but standard in relevant technical fields in both regions.
Grammar
How to Use “coronal” in a Sentence
[be] + coronal + to + noun (anatomical plane)[noun] + of + coronal + nounVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “coronal” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- No standard verb use.
American English
- No standard verb use.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverb use.
American English
- No standard adverb use.
adjective
British English
- The surgeon made a coronal incision.
- A coronal mass ejection can disrupt satellites.
American English
- The MRI shows a coronal section of the brain.
- Linguists classify /t/ and /s/ as coronal consonants.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Common in linguistics, anatomy, astronomy, dentistry papers.
Everyday
Extremely rare, except when discussing solar eclipses ('corona' is more common).
Technical
Primary domain. Precise meanings vary by field.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “coronal”
- Using 'coronal' to mean 'coronary' (relating to heart arteries).
- Pronouncing it /kəˈroʊ.nəl/ (like 'corona'), instead of the standard stress on the first syllable.
- Assuming it is a common adjective for 'excellent' or 'top-tier'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, etymologically. All derive from Latin 'corona' meaning 'crown'. 'Coronal' is an adjective meaning 'crown-related', but the usage contexts are now entirely separate from the virus or brand names.
It would sound very technical or poetic. In everyday talk about the sun, people say 'corona'. For the head, people say 'crown' or 'top'. It's best reserved for specific academic or professional contexts.
Crucial difference. 'Coronal' relates to a crown shape or position (head, sun). 'Coronary' specifically relates to the heart's arteries (coronary arteries), named for their crown-like encirclement of the heart.
No, it is not used idiomatically. It remains a precise, descriptive term within its technical domains.
Related to a crown or the top of something.
Coronal is usually technical/scientific (anatomy, phonetics, astronomy, dentistry); literary/poetic (crown-related). in register.
Coronal: in British English it is pronounced /ˈkɒr.ə.nəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈkɔːr.ə.nəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CORONA (crown) on a royal's head; CORONAL relates to the crown of the head or the sun's crown-like atmosphere.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOP/CROWN IS SUPERIORITY (in its poetic sense); FRONT IS ACTIVE (in phonetic sense—front of tongue).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'coronal mass ejection' primarily used?