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

orthochromatic, orthoclase, orthoclastic, orthocytosis, orthodontia, orthodontics, orthodontist, orthodonture, orthodox, orthodox christianity, orthodox church

Origin of orthodontics

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

Related forms

or·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 Forms

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

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 forms

or′tho•don′tic adj.or′tho•don′tist n.