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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.
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Origin of lordosis

1695–1705; < New Latin < Greek lórdōsis literally, a bending back, equivalent to lord(ós) bent backwards + -ōsis -osis
Related formslor·dot·ic [lawr-dot-ik] /lɔrˈdɒt ɪk/, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for lordosis

Historical Examples

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

    Manual of Surgery Volume Second: Extremities--Head--Neck. Sixth Edition.

    Alexander Miles

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

    Hex

    Laurence Mark Janifer (AKA Larry M. Harris)

British Dictionary definitions for lordosis

lordosis

noun
  1. pathol forward curvature of the lumbar spine: congenital or caused by trauma or diseaseNontechnical name: hollow-back Compare kyphosis, scoliosis
  2. zoology concave arching of the back occurring in many female animals during sexual stimulation
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Derived Formslordotic (lɔːˈdɒtɪk), adjective

Word Origin

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

Word Origin and History for lordosis

n.

curvature of the spine, 1704, Modern Latin, from Greek lordosis, from lordos "bent backwards." Related: Lordotic.

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
lordosis in Medicine

lordosis

(lôr-dō′sĭs)
n.
  1. An abnormal forward curvature of the spine in the lumbar region.hollow back saddle back
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Related formslor•dot′ic (-dŏt′ĭk) adj.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.