decubitus

[ dih-kyoo-bi-tuhs ]

noun

, Medicine/Medical.

, plural de·cub·i·tus.

1. any position assumed by a patient when lying in bed.

decubitus

/ dɪˈkjuːbɪtəs /

noun

1. med the posture adopted when lying down

Derived Forms

• deˈcubital, adjective

Other Words From

• de·cubi·tal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of decubitus¹

1865–70; < New Latin, equivalent to Latin dēcubi-, variant stem of dēcumbere to lie down, take to one's bed ( dē- de- + -cumbere, telic v., with nasal infix, corresponding to cubāre to lie) + -tus suffix of verbal action

Word History and Origins

Origin of decubitus¹

C19: Latin, past participle of decumbere to lie down

Example Sentences

There are specialized positions—sidesaddle, spread eagle—and identical poses whose names add nuance: prostrate, supine, decubitus, shavasana.

From The New Yorker

The decubitus is dorsal, and the legs are generally drawn up so as to relax the abdominal muscles.

From Project Gutenberg

Gangrene following decubitus may be prevented by using soft bedding and frequently turning the animal from one side to the other.

From Project Gutenberg

Trophic sores were both early to develop, and extensive; primary decubitus occurred in all the cases I saw, and steady extension followed.

From Project Gutenberg

The more seriously affected animals are unable to stand and, in most instances, perish because of the effects of prolonged decubitus.

From Project Gutenberg