HealthAugust 16, 2026

lumbar

LUM-ber

Definition

Relating to the lower back region of the spine, specifically the five vertebrae between the thorax and the pelvis.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin word 'lumbus,' meaning loin. It entered English in the 17th century as a medical term to describe the lower back area.

In the news

The word is used to identify the specific section of Maggio's spine (L2 through L5) that had been previously fused and required complex reconstructive surgery.

Spine reconstruction restored his life

Read the full article ↗

UCI Health

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