orthodontics

[ awr-thuh-don-tiks ]
/ ˌɔr θəˈdɒn tɪks /

noun (used with a singular verb)

the branch of dentistry dealing with the prevention and correction of irregular teeth, as by means of braces.

QUIZZES

DON’T VACILLATE! VANQUISH THIS WORD OF THE DAY QUIZ!

It’d be a real faux pas to miss this quiz on the words from August 3–9, 2020!
Question 1 of 7
What does “vacillate” mean?
to waver in mind or opinion; be indecisive or irresolute.
to cause to be empty or unoccupied.
to assent tacitly; agree; consent.
TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of orthodontics

First recorded in 1905–10; orth- + -odont + -ics

OTHER WORDS FROM orthodontics

or·tho·don·tic, or·tho·don·tal, adjectiveor·tho·don·tist, noun

Words nearby orthodontics

orthoclastic, ortho-cousin, orthocytosis, ortho-dichlorobenzene, orthodontia, orthodontics, orthodontist, orthodonture, orthodox, Orthodox Christianity, Orthodox Church
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for orthodontics

orthodontics

orthodontia (ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪə)

/ (ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪks) /

noun

(functioning as singular) the branch of dentistry concerned with preventing or correcting irregularities of the teethAlso called: dental orthopaedics

Derived forms of orthodontics

orthodontic, adjectiveorthodontist, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Medical definitions for orthodontics

orthodontics
[ ôr′thə-dŏn′tĭks ]

n.

The dental specialty and practice of preventing and correcting irregularities of the teeth, as by the use of braces.orthodontia orthodonture

Other words from orthodontics

or′tho•don′tic adj.or′tho•don′tist n.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.