lordosis

[ lawr-doh-sis ]

noun

1. Pathology. an abnormal forward curvature of the spine in the lumbar region, resulting in a swaybacked posture. Compare kyphosis, scoliosis.
2. a posture assumed by some female mammals during mating, in which the back arches downward.

lordosis

/ lɔːˈdəʊsɪs; lɔːˈdɒtɪk /

noun

1. See scoliosis, kyphosis
   pathol forward curvature of the lumbar spine: congenital or caused by trauma or disease Nontechnical namehollow-back Compare kyphosis scoliosis
2. zoology concave arching of the back occurring in many female animals during sexual stimulation

Derived Forms

• lordotic, adjective

Other Words From

• lor·dot·ic [lawr-, dot, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lordosis¹

1695–1705; < New Latin < Greek lórdōsis literally, a bending back, equivalent to lord ( ós ) bent backwards + -ōsis -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of lordosis¹

C18: New Latin from Greek lordōsis, from lordos bent backwards

Example Sentences

Gloria tried to remember the medical term for it: it was something to do with a lordosis.

From Project Gutenberg

This is known as “Thomas' flexion test,” and is founded upon the inability to extend the diseased hip without producing lordosis.

From Project Gutenberg

By thus converting a posterior into an anterior dislocation, the tilting of the pelvis and the lordosis are greatly diminished.

From Project Gutenberg

The absence of a compensatory lordosis in such a condition would warrant the inference that the patient had been bed-ridden.

From Project Gutenberg