Synonym.com 2001-2016 Demand Media, all rights reserved. Database is based on WordNet 3.0, a lexical database for the English language.
The term Dowagerâs Hump originated from the Greek word âkyphosisâ which means a hump, and dowager for its technical term meaning âdignified elderly womanâ. A physical deformity resulting in a condition of over-curvature of the thoracic spine (upper back) of our body.
Causes. The dowagerâs hump condition sometimes referred to as a question mark posture. It is often a silent disease until a break or fracture occurs. There are numerous common causes for a dowagerâs hump including: 1  Arthritis-The discs lose fluid and the spine collapses on itself can lead the development of a hump.