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

Looking for a more custom seat for his ski rig, Williams applied his expertise in mold making for prosthetic legs to the bucket seat of his sit-ski. —Emily Chen-Newton, NPR, 13 Mar. 2026

Other great reads Misplaced your bike, cellphone or prosthetic leg on the Metro rail? —Los Angeles Times, 11 Mar. 2026

The only thing more enormous than Fraser's prosthetic suit is the incredible empathy on display. —Brian Truitt, USA Today, 9 Mar. 2026

The coalition is calling for Taylor's immediate release, access to outside medical specialists, proper prosthetic care and consistent mobility assistance. —Zachary Bynum, CBS News, 5 Mar. 2026

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