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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.

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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.