# fibula vs fistula

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### fibula
*noun · IPA /ˈfɪb.jʊl.ə/ · frequency rank #47,625*
An ancient kind of brooch used to hold clothing together, similar in function to the modern safety pin.

### fistula
*noun · IPA /ˈfɪs.tjə.lə/ · frequency rank #47,059*
An abnormal connection or passageway between organs or vessels that normally do not connect.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/fibula-vs-fistula