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definitions

orthodontics

[awr-thuh-don-tiks]

noun (used with a singular verb)

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

Origin of orthodontics

First recorded in 1905–10; orth- + -odont + -ics
Related formsor·tho·don·tic, or·tho·don·tal, adjectiveor·tho·don·tist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for orthodontics

orthodontics

orthodontia (ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪə)

noun

(functioning as singular) the branch of dentistry concerned with preventing or correcting irregularities of the teethAlso called: dental orthopaedics
Derived Formsorthodontic, 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
Word Origin and History for orthodontics
n.

1909, from Modern Latin orthodontia + -ics.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
orthodontics in Medicine

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
Related formsor′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.