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Synonyms

prosthetics

American  
[pros-thet-iks] / prɒsˈθɛt ɪks /

noun

(used with a singular or plural verb)
  1. the branch of surgery or of dentistry that deals with the replacement of missing parts with artificial structures.

  2. the fabrication and fitting of prosthetic devices, especially artificial limbs.


prosthetics British  
/ prɒsˈθɛtɪks /

noun

  1. (functioning as singular) the branch of surgery concerned with prosthesis

"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

Etymology

Origin of prosthetics

First recorded in 1890–95; see origin at prosthesis, -ics

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:

At Icelandic prosthetics company Embla Medical, CEO Sveinn Sölvason said he supports negotiations to allow Iceland to decide whether membership is the right route.

From The Wall Street Journal Aug. 28, 2026

The road to recovery is long, and some patients "still haven't really grasped the magnitude of what happened to them," Bianca Damaso, a physician specializing in prosthetics, told AFP.

From Barron's Aug. 15, 2026

Lynn and her stunt double are also covered in prosthetics as she climbs up the recliner, and Rhys uses the side lever to launch her off his torso.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 12, 2026

It remains to be seen whether “Kitchen Undercover” will rely on prosthetics, fake mustaches or merely the subtler costume of the unrecognized employee.

From Salon Jul. 5, 2026

My prosthetics were cumbersome and heavy, and wearing them often made my real legs hot and sore.

From "Ugly" by Robert Hoge

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