prosthesis

pros·the·sis

noun \präs-ˈthē-səs, ˈpräs-thə-\

plural pros·the·ses\-ˌsēz\

Definition of PROSTHESIS

: an artificial device to replace or augment a missing or impaired part of the body

Examples of PROSTHESIS

1. She was fitted with a prosthesis to replace her missing leg.

Origin of PROSTHESIS

New Latin, from Greek, addition, from prostithenai to add to, from pros- in addition to + tithenai to put — more at pros-, do

First Known Use: circa 1900

Other Medicine Terms

analgesia, angina, diabetes, hepatitis, homeopathy, logorrhea, palliate, pandemic

Rhymes with PROSTHESIS

ascesis, kinesis, mimesis, paresis

pros·the·sis

noun \präs-ˈthē-səs, ˈpräs-thə-\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; pros·the·ses \-ˌsēz\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of PROSTHESIS

: an artificial device to replace or augment a missing or impaired part of the body <a dental prosthesis> <silicone breast and limb prostheses>

prosthesis

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Artificial substitute for a missing part of the body, usually an arm or leg. Prostheses have evolved from wooden legs and hooks that replaced hands to sophisticated plastic, fibreglass, and metal devices designed to fit limbs amputated at different points. They may have working joints and allow motion either by amplification of electric current generated by muscle contractions or by actual attachment to the muscles. Arm prostheses usually allow some degree of grasping and manipulation. External or implanted breast prostheses are used after mastectomy.