Lexical items containing both “x” and “v” are relatively uncommon in English. Examples include “vox,” referring to a voice or a loudspeaker, and “ex vivo,” a Latin phrase describing processes occurring outside a living organism. These letters, individually and in combination, often contribute to a word’s distinctive sound and visual appearance. The presence of “x,” for instance, frequently signifies a word’s origin from Greek or Latin roots.
The scarcity of vocabulary containing this letter pairing contributes to their memorability and potential impact in various contexts. Scientific terminology, in particular, benefits from the precise and concise nature of such words, enabling efficient communication of complex concepts. Historically, these letters have presented typographical challenges, and their inclusion in words occasionally reflects shifts in language influenced by technological advancements or cultural exchange.