What does lordotic mean?
Lordotic is an adjective describing a pronounced inward curve of the spine. It is closely associated with lordosis, the inward curvature normally present in the lumbar, or lower, region of the human back. When the curvature is unusually marked, it may be described as lordotic. Veterinary usage is especially important: a horse with an exaggerated inward curve in its back may be called lordotic, and the condition is commonly associated with swayback. The word is mainly formal and technical, appearing in medical diagnosis, radiology, anatomy, and animal conformation rather than everyday speech. It should not be used merely to mean that someone is standing or sitting with a rounded back. Although the term is specialized, its unusual history gives it a memorable quality: it ultimately derives from a Greek word describing a backward or bent posture.
adjectiveRelating to lordosis, the inward curvature of the spine, especially in the lumbar region. In veterinary usage, it describes a pronounced inward curve of the back, as in a horse with swayback.
- Relating to or characterized by lordosis, especially an exaggerated inward curvature of the lumbar spine.
- In veterinary usage, having a pronounced inward curve of the back, as in a horse affected by swayback.
"The radiograph showed a marked lordotic curvature of the lower spine."
"The radiograph showed a marked lordotic curvature of the lower spine."
"The veterinarian described the mare as lordotic because of the exaggerated curve in her lumbar region."
Lordotic preserves an ancient idea of a back bent backward: its name comes from a Greek word for a backward curve.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of lordotic
Lordotic comes through medical terminology from Greek lordos, meaning bent backward or curved. The related New Latin noun lordosis was developed for the inward curvature of the spine, and the English adjective lordotic was formed from this terminology. Its close relatives include lordosis and lordose, while lordosic is a variant adjective form.
Related word forms
How lordotic is actually used
This is a specialized medical and veterinary term rather than a general word for a curved posture. Its pronunciation varies between British and American English, particularly in the quality of the vowel sound.
Easily confused with lordotic
Lordosis is the noun for the inward curvature of the spine, while lordotic is the adjective describing that curvature or something characterized by it.