dowager's hump

noun

: an abnormal outward curvature of the upper back with round shoulders and stooped posture caused especially by bone loss and anterior compression of the vertebrae in osteoporosis

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dowager's hump was in 1927

Dictionary Entries Near dowager's hump

Cite this Entry

“Dowager's hump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dowager%27s%20hump. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.

Medical Definition

dowager's hump

noun
dow·​a·​ger's hump ˈdau̇-i-jərz- How to pronounce dowager's hump (audio)
: an abnormal outward curvature of the upper back with round shoulders and stooped posture caused especially by bone loss and anterior compression of the vertebrae in osteoporosis
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