kyphosis

noun

ky·​pho·​sis kī-ˈfō-səs How to pronounce kyphosis (audio)
: exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spine resulting in a rounded upper back compare lordosis
kyphotic
kī-ˈfä-tik How to pronounce kyphosis (audio)
adjective

Examples of kyphosis 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.
For patients with severe spinal deformities, the quality-of-life burden for those living with kyphosis and scoliosis rivals those seen in oncology patients. — Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024 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

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek kyphōsis, from kyphos humpbacked

First Known Use

1847, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of kyphosis was in 1847

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Cite this Entry

“Kyphosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kyphosis. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

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Medical Definition

kyphosis

noun
ky·​pho·​sis kī-ˈfō-səs How to pronounce kyphosis (audio)
plural kyphoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce kyphosis (audio)
: exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spinal column resulting in a rounded upper back compare lordosis sense 2, scoliosis
kyphotic
-ˈfät-ik How to pronounce kyphosis (audio)
adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on kyphosis

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about kyphosis

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