lumbar

American  

[luhm-ber, -bahr] / ˈlʌm bər, -bɑr /

adjective

1. of or relating to the loin or loins.

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noun

1. a lumbar vertebra, artery, or the like.

lumbar British  

/ ˈlʌmbə /

adjective

1. of, near, or relating to the part of the body between the lowest ribs and the hipbones

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lumbar Scientific  

/ lŭm′bər /

1. Located at or near the part of the back lying between the lowest ribs and the hips.

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Other Word Forms

• prelumbar
  adjective
• sublumbar
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of lumbar

From the New Latin word lumbāris, dating back to 1650–60. See lumb-, -ar ¹

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

lumbar

I have to do more blood work, or lumbar punctures, to rule out meningitis.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 28, 2026

After visiting an optician who identified a problem with his optic nerve and referred him to a neurologist, George received an MRI and lumbar puncture which confirmed his MS diagnosis in March 2022.

From BBC ● Mar. 19, 2026

Note: Lakers backup center Maxi Kleber did not play as he continues to recover from a lumbar back strain.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 17, 2026

Participants received doses of up to 70mg of zorevunersen through a lumbar puncture.

From Science Daily ● Mar. 4, 2026

I am in my own personal happy jet—in a wide seat and with the perfect mix of cool and warm air and the little pillow positioned perfectly in my lumbar region.

From "Ask the Passengers" by A.S. King