prosthetic

adjective

pros·​thet·​ic präs-ˈthe-tik 

1

: of, relating to, or being a prosthesis

a prosthetic limb

prosthetic devices

These researchers will develop ways to connect prostheses more soundly to the bone, coordinate brain signals with prosthetic movement, and create properly rotating artificial joints.

—Sheela Raman

Similar prevention is recommended if you have leaky, prolapsed, or prosthetic heart valves.

—Consumer Reports

also : of or relating to prosthetics

prosthetic research

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a nonprotein group of a conjugated protein

covalently-bound prosthetic groups

a heme prosthetic group

prosthetically

präs-ˈthe-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of prosthetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

His training and new prosthetic limb on full display at this brand new American run state-of-the-art facility. —ABC News, 8 June 2025

Daring to make a show with your lead actor in a prosthetic and body suit is borderline absurd. —Lauren Lefranc, IndieWire, 3 June 2025

The segment famously saw Piper remove Gowen's prosthetic leg, instantly establishing his courageous character. —Andrew Ravens‎, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025

This includes pacemakers, prosthetic devices, surgical screws or plates, piercings or even some tattoo ink that can contain metal, according to the Mayo Clinic. —Irene Wright, Miami Herald, 18 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prosthetic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic

Medical Definition

prosthetic

adjective

pros·​thet·​ic präs-ˈthet-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or being a prosthesis

a prosthetic device

prosthetic limbs

also : of or relating to prosthetics

prosthetic research

2

: of, relating to, or constituting a nonprotein group of a conjugated protein

prosthetically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb