lordosis

noun

lor·​do·​sis lȯr-ˈdō-səs 

plural lordoses lȯr-ˈdō-ˌsēz 

1

a

: 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

lordotic

lȯr-ˈdä-tik 

adjective

Examples of lordosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The spine bones are not joined in a simple straight line, but rather in a complex collection of the correct amount of sway to the front (kyphosis) and to the back (lordosis), a large majority of which depends on the spine’s connection to the pelvis. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 17 Oct. 2024

For example, people with lumbar lordosis may find that stomach sleeping is uncomfortable, while people living with spondylitis or ankylosing spondylitis need to especially support their back. —Sarah Bradley, Verywell Health, 5 Oct. 2023

This will promote the proper lumbar lordosis and reduce the amount of stress put on your discs throughout the day. —Jamie Weissman, Better Homes & Gardens, 21 Apr. 2023

When that curve is lost, it is called loss of cervical lordosis. —Dr. Keith Roach, oregonlive, 27 Oct. 2021

An exaggerated curve—called kyphosis in the upper back and lordosis, or swayback, in the lower back—can lead to discomfort and, in extreme cases, can reduce mobility. —Patricia Marx, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2021

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, 22 July 2019

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1704, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

lordosis

noun

lor·​do·​sis lȯr-ˈdō-səs 

: abnormal curving of the lower part of the spine inward

Medical Definition

lordosis

noun

lor·​do·​sis lȯr-ˈdō-səs 

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

lordotic

-ˈdät-ik 

adjective

lordotic posture