prosthetic
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to an artificial body part or prosthesis.
He was fitted for a prosthetic arm.
-
of or relating to the fields of surgical or dental prosthetics.
advances in prosthetic technology.
-
of or relating to a substance, item, or process used to transform a person’s appearance temporarily, especially as a theatrical special effect.
The final scene required painstaking application of prosthetic hair and skin.
noun
-
an artificial body part; a prosthesis.
Hundreds of amputees volunteered to test the new prosthetics.
-
an appearance-altering substance or item applied temporarily to a person’s face or body, especially to create a theatrical special effect.
Alien creatures are brought to life with realistic prosthetics.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of prosthetic
1735–40; < Modern Latin prostheticus, from Hellenistic Greek prosthetikós, equivalent to prósthet(os) “added on,” verbid of prostithе́nai “to add, put onto” ( pros- pros- ( def. ). + the-, stem of tithе́nai “to put, place” + -tos verbid suffix) + -ikos -ic ( def. )
Explanation
Use the adjective prosthetic to describe something that has to do with an artificial body part. You might know someone who walks with the help of a prosthetic leg. Something that's prosthetic fills in for a missing part. In some cases, people are born without an arm or a foot, and in others they've lost a limb in an accident. Prosthetic limbs can help them get along more easily, substituting for the absent part. Prosthetic has a Greek root, prostithenai, or "addition," and an early meaning of "that which is added to the body."
Vocabulary lists containing prosthetic
The Fault in Our Stars
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
The Hate U Give
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
This Week in Pop Culture: February 9 - 15, 2019
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
Stannard is now at a rehab facility working on his mobility and continuing to heal so he can be fitted for a prosthetic in the next few months, he said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 30, 2026
They came of age when Orlando Bloom’s Legolas, kitted out in a blond wig, armor and prosthetic pointy ears, was a teen heartthrob.
From Salon ● Jun. 24, 2026
A former engineer who underwent a life-saving amputation has built his own prosthetic limb for swimming.
From BBC ● May 14, 2026
For years, scientists have searched for ways to move beyond prosthetic limbs and toward treatments capable of restoring natural movement, sensation, and function.
From Science Daily ● May 9, 2026
He leans over and reaches inside his prosthetic leg and hands me three dollars.
From "Like Vanessa" by Tami Charles
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
