kyphosis

[ kahy-foh-sis ]

noun

, Pathology.

1. an abnormal, convex curvature of the spine, with a resultant bulge at the upper back.

kyphosis

/ kaɪˈfəʊsɪs; kaɪˈfɒtɪk /

noun

1. pathol backward curvature of the thoracic spine, of congenital origin or resulting from injury or disease; hunchback See also Pott's disease Compare lordosis scoliosis

Derived Forms

• kyphotic, adjective

Other Words From

• ky·phot·ic [kahy-, fot, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kyphosis¹

1840–50; < Greek kȳ́phōsis a hunched state, equivalent to kȳph ( ós ) humpbacked + -ōsis -osis

Word History and Origins

Origin of kyphosis¹

C19: from New Latin, from Greek kuphōsis, from kuphos humpbacked

Example Sentences

Mr. Urango was born spina bifida, kyphosis and scoliosis and had used a prosthetic leg since he was 2.

From New York Times

And he may have had adolescent kyphosis, a curvature of the spine.

From Fox News

In “Deenie,” for instance, the narrator buys gum from “Old Lady Murray,” a woman with kyphosis, or what we then called a hunchback.

From Washington Post

He doesn't look back at schooldays with fondness, having been given a plastic brace to wear after being diagnosed with kyphosis when he was 12.

From BBC

His body twisted out of shape by spina bifida and kyphosis, a severe curvature of the spine, he conducted from a tall stool, limited in his ability to turn to either side.

From New York Times