adjective

lumbar

LUHM-bah

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Lumbar (adjective) means relating to the lower part of the back, between the ribs and the pelvis. Example: “She injured her lumbar spine in the fall.”

adjective

Relating to the lower part of the back, between the ribs and the pelvis.

"The lumbar spine supports the upper body and transmits the weight of the upper body to the pelvis and lower limbs." — David J. Magee, Orthopedic Physical Assessment (2008)

"She injured her lumbar spine in the fall."

noun

The lumbar region of the back, or one of its vertebrae.

"The scan showed wear on two of the lumbar vertebrae."

How to use lumbar

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishThe medical term for the lower-back area.

Easily confused with

lumbago → lumber →

Common pairings

lumbar spine lumbar support lumbar vertebrae

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: lumbars
Comparative: more lumbar
Superlative: most lumbar

Test yourself on “lumbar” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

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She injured her _____ spine in the fall.

Etymology

From Latin lumbaris, based on lumbus, "loin."

Origin: Latin

Frequently asked questions

What does “lumbar” mean?

The word “lumbar” means relating to the lower part of the back, between the ribs and the pelvis. In plain terms, the medical term for the lower-back area.

How do you pronounce “lumbar”?

“Lumbar” is pronounced LUHM-bah (/ˈlʌm.bɑɹ/ in IPA).

How do you use “lumbar” in a sentence?

Here is “lumbar” used in a sentence: “She injured her lumbar spine in the fall.”

What part of speech is “lumbar”?

Depending on how it is used, “lumbar” can be an adjective and a noun.

Where does the word “lumbar” come from?

The word “lumbar” comes from Latin. From Latin lumbaris, based on lumbus, "loin.".

How many meanings does “lumbar” have?

“Lumbar” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to the lower part of the back, between the ribs and the pelvis.