orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-dik 

variants or less commonly orthopaedic

1

: of, relating to, or employed in orthopedics

an orthopedic surgeon

orthopedic shoes

2

: marked by or affected with a skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury

an orthopedic condition

people with orthopedic problems

orthopedically

ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of orthopedic in a Sentence

She was wearing orthopedic shoes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Foot and ankle specialists, such as an orthopedic surgeon or podiatrist (foot doctor), may be helpful in treating Charcot foot. —Isabel Casimiro, Verywell Health, 22 May 2025

Kevin is an orthopedic surgeon, while Paul is a tech CEO. Related Stories John Krasinski and Natalie Portman Go on Quest in Fountain of Youth Trailer John Krasinski Is PEOPLE's 2024 Sexiest Man Alive! —Angel Saunders, People.com, 20 May 2025

But this height difference is minimal and might not even be noticeable to some, William Probasco, MD, an orthopedic surgeon and specialist in foot and ankle conditions with Orthopaedic Specialty Group, PC, in Fairfield, Connecticut, tells SELF. —Sara Coughlin, SELF, 16 May 2025

Importantly, medical marijuana is considered by many clinicians to have a more favorable side effect profile compared to opioids and some other prescription medications commonly used for pain management after orthopedic injuries or surgery. —Tribune Content Agency, Mercury News, 14 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

French orthopédique, from orthopédie orthopedics, from orth- + Greek paid-, pais child — more at few

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for orthopedic

• glycosidic
• orthopaedic
• comedic
• encyclopaedic
• encyclopedic

Kids Definition

orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or used in orthopedics

2

: marked by or affected with skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury

Medical Definition

orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic

variants or chiefly British orthopaedic

ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or employed in orthopedics

orthopedic surgery

orthopedic casts

2

: marked by or affected with a deformity, disorder, or injury of the skeleton and associated structures

orthopedically adverb

or chiefly British orthopaedically

-ˈpēd-i-k(ə-)lē