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, 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

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Other Word Forms

• kyphotic
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of kyphosis

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

Example Sentences

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

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 Miles, Alexander