lordosis

noun

lor·​do·​sis lȯr-ˈdō-səs How to pronounce lordosis (audio)
plural lordoses lȯr-ˈdō-ˌsēz How to pronounce lordosis (audio)
1
a
: the normal convex curvature of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine
b
: abnormally exaggerated forward curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine resulting in a concave back when viewed from the side : hyperlordosis, swayback compare kyphosis
2
: a mating posture of some sexually receptive female mammals (such as rats) in which the head and rump are raised and the back is arched downward
lordotic adjective

Examples of lordosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web For example, people with lumbar lordosis may find that stomach sleeping is uncomfortable, while people living with spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis need to especially support their back. Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023 This will promote the proper lumbar lordosis and reduce the amount of stress put on your discs throughout the day. Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2023 When that curve is lost, it is called loss of cervical lordosis. Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 27 Oct. 2021 An exaggerated curve—called kyphosis in the upper back and lordosis, or swayback, in the lower back—can lead to discomfort and, in extreme cases, can reduce mobility. Patricia Marx, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2021 Tech neck explained The natural curvature (lordosis) in our neck is designed to take the weight of our 10- to 12-pound head and place it over structures of the spine designed to support it. Detroit Free Press, 22 July 2019

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'lordosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek lordōsis, from lordos curving forward; akin to Old English belyrtan to deceive

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of lordosis was in 1704

Dictionary Entries Near lordosis

Cite this Entry

“Lordosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lordosis. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

lordosis

noun
lor·​do·​sis lȯr-ˈdō-səs How to pronounce lordosis (audio)
: abnormal curving of the lower part of the spine inward

Medical Definition

lordosis

noun
lor·​do·​sis lȯr-ˈdō-səs How to pronounce lordosis (audio)
1
: the normal convex curvature of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine
2
: abnormally exaggerated forward curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine resulting in a concave back when viewed from the side

called also swayback

compare kyphosis, scoliosis
lordotic adjective
lordotic posture

More from Merriam-Webster on lordosis

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!