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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.

Nearby words

  1. orthochromatic,
  2. orthoclase,
  3. orthoclastic,
  4. orthocytosis,
  5. orthodontia,
  6. orthodontist,
  7. orthodonture,
  8. orthodox,
  9. orthodox christianity,
  10. orthodox church

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)

/ (ˌɔːθəʊˈdɒntɪks) /

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

orthodontics

n.

1909, from Modern Latin orthodontia + -ics.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper

Medicine 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
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.