scoliosis

noun

sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
plural scolioses ˌskō-lē-ˈō-ˌsēz How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
: a lateral curvature of the spine
scoliotic adjective

Examples of scoliosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Surgeons employ a precise classification and nomenclature system to characterize scoliosis, tailoring their approach based on the patient’s age, the type of scoliosis and the underlying cause driving its development. Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes.com, 30 June 2025 Allison Bustillo, a 23-year-old nursing student with scoliosis, has spent the past four months in ICE custody in Georgia. Dhruv Mehrotra, Wired News, 25 June 2025 Three x-rays showing a scoliosis without (left) and with implant (right). Lucy Notarantonio, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 June 2025 Those with sciatica, arthritis and scoliosis can get a better night of sleep thanks to the Therapeutic Support Core. Christopher Murray May Earn A Commission If You Buy Through Our Referral Links. This Content Was Created By A Team That Works Independently From The Fox Newsroom., FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for scoliosis

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin scoliōsis, borrowed from Greek skolíōsis "slanted or crooked state, curvature of the spine," from skoliō-, variant stem of skolióomai, skolioûsthai "to be bent or crooked" (verbal derivative of skoliós "bent, crooked, askew") + -sis -sis — more at isosceles

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scoliosis was circa 1706

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scoliosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoliosis. Accessed 6 Jul. 2025.

Kids Definition

scoliosis

noun
sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
plural scolioses -ˌsēz How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
: an abnormal sideways curving of the spine

Medical Definition

scoliosis

noun
sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
plural scolioses -ˌsēz How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
: a lateral curvature of the spine compare kyphosis, lordosis sense 2
scoliotic adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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