lordosis

English

noun
Definitions
  • (pathology) An excessive backwards curvature of the spine, causing a hollow in the back.
  • (zoology) A body posture of some female mammals, indicating receptivity to copulation. It involves lowering of the forelimbs but with the rear limbs extended and hips raised, ventral arching of the spine and a raising, or sideward displacement, of the tail.

Etymology

Derived from Ancient Greek λορδός (bent backwards).

Origin

Ancient Greek

λορδός

Gloss

bent backwards

Timeline

Distribution of cognates by language

Geogrpahic distribution of cognates

Cognates and derived terms