lordosis
noun
lor·do·sis
lȯr-ˈdō-səs 
plural lordoses
lȯr-ˈdō-ˌsēz
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
Examples of lordosis in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
While scoliosis specifically involves a sideways curvature, other deformities manifest as forward bending (kyphosis) or backward bending (lordosis).
—
Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Conditions once deemed untreatable—complex fractures, spinal tumors, and deformities like scoliosis (sideways curvature), kyphosis (forward curvature), or excessive lordosis (backward curvature)—are now manageable, even life-saving.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
The spine bones are not joined in a simple straight line, but rather in a complex collection of the correct amount of sway to the front (kyphosis) and to the back (lordosis), a large majority of which depends on the spine’s connection to the pelvis.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
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
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Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025
Conditions once deemed untreatable—complex fractures, spinal tumors, and deformities like scoliosis (sideways curvature), kyphosis (forward curvature), or excessive lordosis (backward curvature)—are now manageable, even life-saving.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025
The spine bones are not joined in a simple straight line, but rather in a complex collection of the correct amount of sway to the front (kyphosis) and to the back (lordosis), a large majority of which depends on the spine’s connection to the pelvis.
—Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024
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
Cite this Entry
“Lordosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lordosis. Accessed 19 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
lordosis
noun
lor·do·sis
lȯr-ˈdō-səs
: abnormal curving of the lower part of the spine inward
Medical Definition
lordosis
noun
lor·do·sis
lȯr-ˈdō-səs
1
: the normal convex curvature of the cervical and lumbar regions of the spine
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