kyphosis
noun
ky·pho·sis kī-ˈfō-səs 
: exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spine resulting in a rounded upper back compare lordosis
kyphotic
kī-ˈfä-tik
adjective 
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The curve was 105 degrees; a normal curve at the top of the spine, known as kyphosis, is 40 degrees. 
Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2022 My kyphosis is quite moderate compared with others’, yet it is aesthetically pronounced. The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2021 An exaggerated curve—called kyphosis in the upper back and lordosis, or swayback, in the lower back—can lead to discomfort and, in extreme cases, can reduce mobility. Patricia Marx, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2021 Abdominal rotations can improve lower-back health and range of motion and prevent kyphosis, a curvature of the upper back. Philly.com, 27 Mar. 2018 Ignoring compression fractures in your spine can lead to a spinal deformity called kyphosis, where the upper back curves forward, affecting spine flexibility, breathing, nerve roots and a patient’s overall health. Tj Gibson, azcentral, 14 Mar. 2018 He was called a hunchback because of an extreme curvature of his spine, a medical condition called kyphosis. Marcus Rediker, Smithsonian, 30 Sep. 2017 He was called a hunchback because of an extreme curvature of his spine, a medical condition called kyphosis. Marcus Rediker, Smithsonian, 30 Sep. 2017 He was called a hunchback because of an extreme curvature of his spine, a medical condition called kyphosis. Marcus Rediker, Smithsonian, 30 Sep. 2017 See More
Ed Stannard, Hartford Courant, 6 Sep. 2022 My kyphosis is quite moderate compared with others’, yet it is aesthetically pronounced. The New Yorker, 19 Apr. 2021 An exaggerated curve—called kyphosis in the upper back and lordosis, or swayback, in the lower back—can lead to discomfort and, in extreme cases, can reduce mobility. Patricia Marx, The New Yorker, 22 Mar. 2021 Abdominal rotations can improve lower-back health and range of motion and prevent kyphosis, a curvature of the upper back. Philly.com, 27 Mar. 2018 Ignoring compression fractures in your spine can lead to a spinal deformity called kyphosis, where the upper back curves forward, affecting spine flexibility, breathing, nerve roots and a patient’s overall health. Tj Gibson, azcentral, 14 Mar. 2018 He was called a hunchback because of an extreme curvature of his spine, a medical condition called kyphosis. Marcus Rediker, Smithsonian, 30 Sep. 2017 He was called a hunchback because of an extreme curvature of his spine, a medical condition called kyphosis. Marcus Rediker, Smithsonian, 30 Sep. 2017 He was called a hunchback because of an extreme curvature of his spine, a medical condition called kyphosis. Marcus Rediker, Smithsonian, 30 Sep. 2017 See More Word History
Etymology
New Latin, from Greek kyphōsis, from kyphos humpbacked
First Known Use
1847, in the meaning defined above
Medical Definition
kyphosis
noun
ky·pho·sis kī-ˈfō-səs
plural kyphoses -ˌsēz
: exaggerated outward curvature of the thoracic region of the spinal column resulting in a rounded upper back compare lordosis sense 2, scoliosis