scoliosis

[ skoh-lee-oh-sis, skol-ee- ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

Pathology.

an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine.

scoliosis

/ ˌskɒlɪˈəʊsɪs; ˌskɒlɪˈɒtɪk /

noun

pathol an abnormal lateral curvature of the spine, of congenital origin or caused by trauma or disease of the vertebrae or hipbones Compare kyphosis lordosis

scoliosis

/ skō′lē-ō′sĭs /

A lateral curvature of the spine, usually having no known cause and occurring most commonly in preteen and adolescent girls.

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Derived Forms

scoliotic, adjective

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Other Words From

sco·li·ot·ic [skoh-lee-, ot, -ik], adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of scoliosis¹

First recorded in 1700–10, scoliosis is from the Greek word skolíōsis a bending

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Word History and Origins

Origin of scoliosis¹

C18: from New Latin, from Greek: a curving, from skolios bent

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Compare Meanings

How does scoliosis compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:

scoliosis vs. lordosis

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Example Sentences

"They found his skeleton in a car park and it looked like he had scoliosis."

From BBC

Throughout junior high school, she wore a Milwaukee brace, a corrective for severe scoliosis.

From New York Times

In January, the health ministry in Gaza referred Lamis for treatment abroad for her scoliosis.

From BBC

The young girl needs major surgery for scoliosis, which has been delayed now by six months.

From BBC

Eva suffers from Rett syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that affects brain development, and has advanced scoliosis that causes her spine to twist and curve to the side.

From BBC

scolion scollop

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