lordosis

[ lawr-doh-sis ]

noun

1. Pathology. an abnormal forward curvature of the spine in the lumbar region, resulting in a swaybacked posture. Compare kyphosis, scoliosis.
2. a posture assumed by some female mammals during mating, in which the back arches downward.

lordosis

/ lɔːˈdɒtɪk; lɔːˈdəʊsɪs /

noun

1. pathol forward curvature of the lumbar spine: congenital or caused by trauma or disease Nontechnical namehollow-back Compare kyphosis scoliosis
2. zoology concave arching of the back occurring in many female animals during sexual stimulation

Derived Forms

• lordotic, adjective

Other Words From

• lor·dot·ic [lawr-, dot, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of lordosis¹

1695–1705; < New Latin < Greek lórdōsis literally, a bending back, equivalent to lord ( ós ) bent backwards + -ōsis -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of lordosis¹

C18: New Latin from Greek lordōsis, from lordos bent backwards

Example Sentences

The researchers saw that the female mice would lower their backs in response to the light, which is lordosis, a female mouse sexual behavior indicating receptivity to a male mouse.

From Washington Post

With over 12 years of experience developing expandable interbody spacer systems, combined with a track record of success, Globus has developed next generation implants that provide innovative solutions to maximize lordosis and address sagittal imbalance.

From Washington Times

She had both scoliosis and lordosis — sideways and vertical curvature of her spine — and her rear flippers were paralyzed.

From Los Angeles Times

Slouching rounds the lumbar spine into kyphosis rather than slight lordosis, its natural state.

From Time

It’s common for pregnant women to suffer from lordosis, a curvature of the spine that can cause lower back pain during strength training, Artal said.

From Washington Post