swayback

noun

sway·​back ˈswā-ˌbak 

1

: an abnormally hollow condition or sagging of the back found especially in horses

also : a sagging back

2

: abnormally exaggerated forward curvature of the lumbar and cervical regions of the spine : lordosis sense 2

Rarely is swayback a sign of anything serious. If you're in doubt, compare the posture of your child with that of other toddlers.

—Parenting

Examples of swayback in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Sarge is a swayback appaloosa, retired from ranch work who was headed to slaughter. —Denise Coffey, Courant Community, 19 Sep. 2017

While the swayback roofline looked like there might be foundation problems, Scott consulted several engineers only to learn there was no problem — just an eccentric design element Dilbeck often used to instantly age his homes. —By Gaile Robinson photos By Paul Moseley, star-telegram, 2 Aug. 2017

Word History

First Known Use

1821, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Medical Definition

swayback

noun

sway·​back ˈswā-ˌbak, -ˈbak 

1

: an abnormally hollow condition or sagging of the back found especially in horses

also : a back so shaped

2

: lordosis sense 2

3

: a copper-deficiency disease of young or newborn lambs that is marked by demyelination of the brain resulting in weakness, staggering gait, and collapse and is almost universally fatal but is readily preventable by copper supplementation of the diet of the pregnant ewe

swaybacked

-ˌbakt 

adjective