scoliosis

noun

sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs 

plural scolioses ˌskō-lē-ˈō-ˌsēz 

: a lateral curvature of the spine

scoliotic

ˌskō-lē-ˈä-tik 

adjective

Examples of scoliosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Certain diagnoses, such as scoliosis or trauma, provide clear surgical indications. —Richard Menger Md Mpa, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Greg has multiple scoliosis and a spinal cord injury that confines him to an electric wheelchair. —Stephanie Lam, The Mercury News, 28 Nov. 2024

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

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

Kids Definition

scoliosis

noun

sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs 

plural scolioses -ˌsēz 

: an abnormal sideways curving of the spine

Medical Definition

scoliosis

noun

sco·​li·​o·​sis ˌskō-lē-ˈō-səs 

plural scolioses -ˌsēz 

: a lateral curvature of the spine compare kyphosis, lordosis sense 2

scoliotic

-ˈät-ik 

adjective