orthosis

noun

or·​tho·​sis ȯr-ˈthō-səs How to pronounce orthosis (audio)
plural orthoses ȯr-ˈthō-ˌsēz How to pronounce orthosis (audio)
: an external medical device (such as a brace or splint) for supporting, immobilizing, or treating muscles, joints, or skeletal parts which are weak, ineffective, deformed, or injured
a lower extremity orthosis
spinal orthoses
see orthotic entry 2

Examples of orthosis in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The extra quarter-inch of room provided by the double depth design accommodates extremely swollen feet and internal brace and ankle-foot orthosis products. Alena Hall, Verywell Health, 28 Feb. 2023 Ascend is a smart knee orthosis designed to improve mobility and relieve knee pain. IEEE Spectrum, 30 Apr. 2021 There are a few different reasons why your child’s pediatrician might recommend helmet-molding therapy (sometimes referred to as cranial orthosis). Korin Miller, SELF, 4 Dec. 2018 The orthosis had to allow upward movement of the ankle while preventing patients from pointing or rising up on their toes. Kelly McBride, Cincinnati.com, 15 Sep. 2017 Unfortunately, Smith’s injury timeline is approaching a year-and-a-half, and his continued use of an ankle foot orthosis (AFO) brace indicates that may be a permanent need. Profootballdoc, sandiegouniontribune.com, 9 May 2017

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orthosis.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek orthōsis straightening, from orthoun to straighten, from orthos

First Known Use

1958, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orthosis was in 1958

Dictionary Entries Near orthosis

Cite this Entry

“Orthosis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthosis. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Medical Definition

orthosis

noun
or·​tho·​sis ȯr-ˈthō-səs How to pronounce orthosis (audio)
plural orthoses -ˌsēz How to pronounce orthosis (audio)
: an external medical device (such as a brace or splint) for supporting, immobilizing, or treating muscles, joints, or skeletal parts which are weak, ineffective, deformed, or injured
an upper extremity orthosis
spinal orthoses
see orthotic
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