Do not make spelling changes unless you can document them with Webster's, Stedman's, or other accepted source. It is the responsibility of the copy editor to correct spelling in the articles they edit. For new terminology, remember that the author is ultimately responsible for his or her own spelling mistakes. Query, but don't change without documentation. Systematically add new, correctly spelled terms to your online spellchecker.
Sources for spelling are Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (10th edition or later) and CBE Style Manual (5th and 6th editions). For enzyme names, use Enzyme Nomenclature. For medical terminology, follow Stedman's. For chemical names, follow Sigma or Merck Index, latest editions. For genomics terminology, consult Dictionary of Genetics and the Genetics section of this manual.Change British spellings to their American forms.
Drop the "-ue" from words ending in "-logue."
analog computer
chemical analog of substance X
the KEX1 gene product of Kluyveromyces lactis, a functional homolog of S. cervisiae
The plural form for words ending in "-ex" or "ix" should be "-es", not "-ices". (Exception: "matrix" has a specific, scientific meaning; its plural is "matrices".)
appendix, appendixes
index, indexes
Greek letters that are part of standard scientific terms should use the greek symbol. However, spell out Greek letters otherwise.
α-motoneuron
Aβ-fibers
gamma counter
theta rhythm
Be mindful of words that end in "-ic" or "-ical" (e.g., anatomic, immunologic, pharmacological, physiological, etc). Follow Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary for established preferences. Make sure to use the terms consistently within the paper. In general, "-ical" words may have a broader meaning beyond the meaning of the "-ic" form. Beware of differences in meaning between the two formes; e.g., classic/classical, historic/historical, etc.
See also the list of Common Mispellings.
last edited 07/30/03