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 1 Dec. 2024.

Copy Citation

Share

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
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See All

How to Use Em Dashes (—), En Dashes (–) , and Hyphens (-)

Plural and Possessive Names: A Guide

The Difference Between 'i.e.' and 'e.g.'

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?

What's the difference between 'fascism' and 'socialism'?
See All

Popular in Wordplay

See All

Terroir, Oenophile, & Magnum: Ten Words About Wine

8 Words for Lesser-Known Musical Instruments

10 Words from Taylor Swift Songs (Merriam's Version)

9 Superb Owl Words

15 Words That Used to Mean Something Different
See All

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Word Game Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
sweet smart pug puppy dog sitting in front of blackboard with chalk question marks
Commonly Confused Words Quiz Vol. 3 Do you have a (flare/flair) for choosing the righ...