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

In Jamie Lloyd’s celebrated British production of Crimp’s adaptation that came to the Brooklyn Academy of Music in 2022, no prosthetic schnoz was employed. —Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 10 Sep. 2024

His Due With a Transformed Version of His Debut Album Stan gained 15 pounds for the role to reflect Trump’s body transformation; the costume department also made a padded suit with a prosthetic belly. —Jazz Tangcay, Variety, 11 Oct. 2024

The 2023 line included several different Barbies and Kens in wheelchairs, Barbies and Kens with vitiligo, the first doll with Down syndrome and a Ken with a prosthetic leg. —Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY, 23 July 2024

For example, Amy Purdy — the talented and beautiful para- olympian who was partnered with Derek Hough in season 18 — was dancing on prosthetic legs. —Maureen Lee Lenker, EW.com, 25 Sep. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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