scoliosis

noun

sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
plural scolioses ˌskō-lē-ˈō-ˌsēz How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
: a lateral curvature of the spine
scoliotic
ˌskō-lē-ˈä-tik How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
adjective

Examples of scoliosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Smith was diagnosed with scoliosis, a curve in the spine that is often genetic. —Nicole Villalpando, Austin American-Statesman, 10 Aug. 2024 Complaints of neck pain and ongoing stomach issues led her parents to seek further medical advice, considering possible diagnoses such as PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) or even scoliosis. —Jordan Greene, People.com, 9 Oct. 2024 Less common symptoms include tinnitus, slow heart rhythm, scoliosis and breathing issues. —Raven Brunner, People.com, 29 Sep. 2024 Princess Eugenie is thankful that her mom, Sarah Ferguson, has always supported her amid her scoliosis journey. —Raven Brunner, Peoplemag, 30 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for scoliosis 

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from New Latin scoliōsis, borrowed from Greek skolíōsis "slanted or crooked state, curvature of the spine," from skoliō-, variant stem of skolióomai, skolioûsthai "to be bent or crooked" (verbal derivative of skoliós "bent, crooked, askew") + -sis -sis — more at isosceles

First Known Use

circa 1706, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of scoliosis was circa 1706

Dictionary Entries Near scoliosis

scolion

scoliosis

scolite

See More Nearby Entries 

Cite this Entry

“Scoliosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoliosis. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

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Kids Definition

scoliosis

noun
sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
plural scolioses -ˌsēz How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
: an abnormal sideways curving of the spine

Medical Definition

scoliosis

noun
sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
plural scolioses -ˌsēz How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
: a lateral curvature of the spine compare kyphosis, lordosis sense 2
scoliotic
-ˈät-ik How to pronounce scoliosis (audio)
adjective
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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