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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; 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.

The couple are now fundraising for advanced prosthetics, including potentially robotic hands, which they said could cost tens of thousands of pounds.

From BBC • Feb. 20, 2026

At the same time, rapid progress in machine learning and AI is making it possible for future prosthetics to assist users by moving on their own in certain situations.

From Science Daily • Feb. 13, 2026

Instead, its parade of latex prosthetics and wigs pulled the spotlight, especially the Linda Tripp fat suit that wore Paulson instead of the other way around.

From Salon • Feb. 12, 2026

"We will be receiving prosthetics and we hope to resume a normal life soon," Muhire, who is a patient at the centre, told AFP.

From Barron's • Dec. 21, 2025

Ally’s prosthetics are well made, but they are clearly not like this.

From "The Adoration of Jenna Fox" by Mary E. Pearson

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.