orthotic

American

[awr-thot-ik] / ɔrˈθɒt ɪk /

noun

Also a device or support, especially for the foot, used to relieve or correct an orthopedic problem.

adjective

of or relating to orthotics.

Etymology

Origin of orthotic

1960–65; adjective derivative of orthosis (on the model of psychosis ( def. ): psychotic ( def. ), etc.); see -tic

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

orthotic

Instead of undergoing a potentially career-ending surgery, he played with a custom-made orthotic, which contributed to years of cascading injuries — mostly to his hips, knees and back.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 18, 2026

Because of her MS, a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord, she uses an orthotic to walk and competes with an ankle foot orthosis in her boot.

From BBC ● Mar. 5, 2026

The attachment was initially designed as an orthotic device to assist a person with a physical disability to operate a firearm.

From Washington Times ● Jun. 22, 2023

But if you have a more complex issue, he added, a custom orthotic might be needed.

From Seattle Times ● Oct. 4, 2022

For my broken back, I had two options: surgically implanted screws to stabilize my vertebrae or months of immobilization in an orthotic brace.

From Washington Post ● Jun. 19, 2022

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Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023