SINCE 1828
dictionary
thesaurus
view recents

lordosis

noun
Save Word
lor·​do·​sis | \ lȯr-ˈdō-səs How to pronounce lordosis (audio) \
plural lordoses\ lȯr-​ˈdō-​ˌsēz How to pronounce lordosis (audio) \

Definition of lordosis

1a : 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
Other Words from lordosis Example Sentences Learn More about lordosis

Keep scrolling for more

Other Words from lordosis

lordotic \ lȯr-​ˈdä-​tik How to pronounce lordosis (audio) \ adjective

Examples of lordosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web 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, "Are phones causing 'tech neck' pain?," 22 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'lordosis.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of lordosis

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

History and Etymology for lordosis

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

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about lordosis

Time Traveler for lordosis

Time Traveler

The first known use of lordosis was in 1704

See more words from the same year

Statistics for lordosis

Cite this Entry

“Lordosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lordosis. Accessed 4 Mar. 2021.

Style: MLA
MLA Chicago APA Merriam-Webster

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for lordosis

lordosis

noun
lor·​do·​sis | \ lȯr-ˈdō-səs How to pronounce lordosis (audio) \

Medical Definition of lordosis

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

Other Words from lordosis

lordotic \ -​ˈdät-​ik How to pronounce lordosis (audio) \ adjective
lordotic posture

More from Merriam-Webster on lordosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about lordosis

Comments on lordosis

What made you want to look up lordosis? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

smorgasbord

Listen to the pronunciation of smorgasbord

See Definitions and Examples »

Test Your Vocabulary

February 2021 Words of the Day Quiz

  • squirrel in winter
  • Which is a synonym of perdure?
How Strong Is Your Vocabulary?

Test your vocabulary with our 10-question quiz!

TAKE THE QUIZ
Typeshift

Anagram puzzles meet word search.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

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

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games