scoliosis

noun

sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs 

plural scolioses ˌskō-lē-ˈō-ˌsēz 

: a lateral curvature of the spine

scoliotic

ˌskō-lē-ˈä-tik 

adjective

Examples of scoliosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

For example, with scoliosis, the body's muscles can become imbalanced, causing some muscles to become overly tight or weak while others overcompensate. —Lindsay Curtis, Health, 8 Feb. 2025

During a routine test, Johnny's middle school nurse discovered his severe scoliosis, a prevalent symptom of Marfan. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 1 Feb. 2025

Princess Eugenie's bridal gown did not attempt to hide the scar from her spinal surgery at age 12 due to scoliosis, a curvature of the spine. —Janine Henni, Peoplemag, 26 June 2024

The pain can range in intensity and may be caused by various underlying conditions, such as muscle strain, asthma, anxiety, scoliosis, or even heart problems. —Sarah Jividen, Health, 26 Jan. 2025

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

Kids Definition

scoliosis

noun

sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs 

plural scolioses -ˌsēz 

: an abnormal sideways curving of the spine

Medical Definition

scoliosis

noun

sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs 

plural scolioses -ˌsēz 

: a lateral curvature of the spine compare kyphosis, lordosis sense 2

scoliotic

-ˈät-ik 

adjective