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.
My scoliosis puts more weight on that side, creating a painful pressure point overnight. — Nena Farrell, Wired News, 17 Jan. 2026 Meanwhile, an orthopedist may also evaluate and treat scoliosis, a sideways curve of the spine. — Health, 15 Apr. 2026 Hall was on disability due to scoliosis and had undergone multiple back surgeries, her brother said. — Rebecca White, New York Daily News, 1 Mar. 2026 Signs of scoliosis Early detection is important and can help prevent progression of spinal deformity and reduce the need for surgery. — Oc Register, 10 June 2026 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

Rhymes for scoliosis

See All Rhymes for scoliosis

Browse Nearby Words

scolion
scoliosis
scolite
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Scoliosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/scoliosis. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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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
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