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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

Records of kyphosis in American species apparently are few.

From Kyphosis and other Variations in Soft-shelled Turtles by Hobart M. Smith

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