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.

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kyphosis British  

/ kaɪˈfəʊsɪs /

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

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Other Word Forms

• kyphotic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of kyphosis

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

kyphosis

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

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

From Fox News ● Dec. 15, 2021

His body twisted out of shape by spina bifida and kyphosis, a severe curvature of the spine, he conducted from a tall stool, limited in his ability to turn to either side.

From New York Times ● Jun. 6, 2017

It is to be noted that a considerable degree of kyphosis may exist without interference with the normal outlook in the erect posture, and, therefore, the question of compensatory curvature does not arise.

From Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities—Head—Neck. Sixth Edition. by Alexander Miles

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