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

Her prosthetic eyes are part of a larger attitude of confidence and determination to live an independent, financially stable life her parents could be proud of. —Kamal Morgan, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 Apr. 2025

The cost of a prosthetic limb is in excess of $3,000 and far beyond his means. —Arkansas Online, 21 Apr. 2025

The cost of a prosthetic limb is more than $3,000, far beyond his means. —Ghaith Alsayed and Sally Abou Aljoud, Los Angeles Times, 21 Apr. 2025

The bride and model, Rebekah, was born without a right forearm and had a black prosthetic hand, a myoelectric prosthesis. —Ashlyn Robinette, People.com, 7 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