rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryscoliosisSpinal curvature
noun

scoliosis

skoh-lee-OH-sis/ˌskəʊliˈəʊsɪs/

An abnormal sideways curve of the spine.

The spinal model shows the sideways curve of scoliosis.

A posterior-view anatomical model of a human spine and pelvis, showing a conspicuous abnormal sideways S-shaped spinal curve rather than normal front-to-back curvature.
Etymology
scoliGreekbent, curved
+osisGreekcondition

Greek skolios describes something bent or curved. In this medical term, that general idea of crookedness is narrowed to an abnormal sideways bend of the spine.

In context

Sixth Form Biology10:44
on your syllabus is scoliosis which is you know your spine does have if you look at it sideways a natural sort of curve to it so it's doing that scoliosis is a curve sideways
The Spinal Column and Vertebrae

More examples

  • The diagram illustrated the sideways curve of scoliosis.
  • The clinic followed changes in the patient’s scoliosis.
  • The report distinguished scoliosis from ordinary posture changes.

Forms

scoliosis

Similar words

kyphosis
Kyphosis is an excessive forward rounding of the upper back; scoliosis curves the spine sideways.
lordosis
Lordosis concerns an inward spinal curve; scoliosis is a side-to-side curve.