adjective / noun
lumbar
LUM-bar/ˈlʌmbər/
Of the lower portion of the back.
Five lumbar vertebrae occupy the lower spine between the ribs and pelvis.
Etymology
Lumbus names the loin, so lumbar literally means “pertaining to the loins.” The anatomical adjective locates something in or near that lower-back region.
In context
just lean my body weight down through that curve in the low back, and I'm just going to hold here. This is giving a nice stretch and release to that lumbar spine which composes the low back, then releasing that.
More examples
- The scan shows a fracture in a lumbar vertebra.
- Gentle stretches help ease the tightness in my lumbar region.
- She places a lumbar cushion behind her back before driving.
Forms
lumbar · lumbars
Similar words
- lower-back
- An everyday equivalent, less technical than lumbar.
- spinal
- Refers to the entire spine, not just its lower portion.