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Glite Dictionary
spondylolisthesis

spondylolisthesis

1 9.9
One bone in the lower spine slips forward over the bone below, often causing nerve pain
  • noun
  • /ˌspɒndɪloʊlɪsˈθiːsɪs/
  • Specialized
: espondilolistesis
  • Spondylolisthesis can lead to severe pain and discomfort, especially during physical activities.

Examples

  • When I was fourteen, I found out I had stage III or IV spondylolisthesis, which is a spinal condition involving slippage between vertebrae.

    Blog text (28)

  • We undertake no obligation to the TOPSTM System, which is designed to alleviate pain resulting from degenerative facet issues and spondylolisthesis.

    Blog text (25)

  • Spondylolisthesis = slippage of one vertebral body anteriorly on top of another.

    Academic text (2005)

  • The doctor explained that my spondylolisthesis could cause nerve compression if not treated properly.

  • After my diagnosis of spondylolisthesis, I began physical therapy to strengthen my back muscles.

Surface Forms

spondylolisthesis singular
spondylolistheses plural

Morphology

spondylolisthesis = spondyl + listhesis

The term is a specialist medical compound of Greek combining forms ('spondyl-' 'listhesis') that are not recognizable as standalone English words to an average B1 learner, so the meaning cannot be derived from familiar base words.

Etymology

Spondylolisthesis comes from Greek parts spondyl- meaning 'spine' and -listhesis meaning 'slip'. So it is like saying a 'spine slip', which explains why it means one bone in the spine has slid forward over the one below and can press on nerves.