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Synonyms

kyphosis

American  
[kahy-foh-sis] / kaɪˈfoʊ sɪs /

noun

Pathology.
  1. an abnormal, convex curvature of the spine, with a resultant bulge at the upper back.


kyphosis British  
/ kaɪˈfəʊsɪs, kaɪˈfɒtɪk /

noun

  1. pathol backward curvature of the thoracic spine, of congenital origin or resulting from injury or disease; hunchback See also Pott's disease Compare lordosis scoliosis

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of kyphosis

1840–50; < Greek kȳ́phōsis a hunched state, equivalent to kȳph ( ós ) humpbacked + -ōsis -osis

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

Kado’s research has shown a clear connection between bone density and posture problems and kyphosis.

From Slate Feb. 27, 2025

Shaye Armour, from Greenock, has congenital kyphosis scoliosis, a condition which causes his spine to bend forward.

From BBC Mar. 27, 2024

Mr. Urango was born spina bifida, kyphosis and scoliosis and had used a prosthetic leg since he was 2.

From New York Times Mar. 20, 2024

And he may have had adolescent kyphosis, a curvature of the spine.

From Fox News Dec. 15, 2021

Congenital kyphosis is very rare in man, is generally seen in monsters, and when it does exist is usually accompanied by lordosis or spine bifida.

From Anomalies and Curiosities of Medicine by Walter L. (Walter Lytle) Pyle

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