prosthetic: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Technical/Medical, occasionally literary.
Quick answer
What does “prosthetic” mean?
An artificial device that replaces a missing body part.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An artificial device that replaces a missing body part.
Related to or functioning as an artificial body part; also used figuratively to describe something artificial that supplements a deficiency.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. Spelling is consistent. 'Prosthesis' is the more common noun form in both varieties for the device itself.
Connotations
Neutral technical term in both. No regional connotative differences.
Frequency
Similar frequency in medical contexts. Slightly higher general public awareness in US due to veteran-focused media, but this is marginal.
Grammar
How to Use “prosthetic” in a Sentence
[adjective] + [noun]fitted with a [prosthetic]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “prosthetic” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- After the accident, he was fitted with a prosthetic arm.
- The prosthetic joint required careful calibration.
- Advances in prosthetic technology are remarkable.
American English
- She's getting her new prosthetic leg adjusted next week.
- Prosthetic devices have become much more sophisticated.
- The soldier received a state-of-the-art prosthetic hand.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in biomedical/healthcare industry reports.
Academic
Common in medical, biomedical engineering, and rehabilitation science literature.
Everyday
Used when discussing medical conditions, disabilities, or advanced technology. Not a daily conversational word.
Technical
The primary register. Precise term in orthopedics, rehabilitation medicine, and biomedical engineering.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “prosthetic”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “prosthetic”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “prosthetic”
- Misspelling as 'prostetic' (missing the 'h').
- Using 'prosthetic' as the main noun instead of 'prosthesis'. (e.g., 'He got a new prosthetic' is informal; 'He got a new prosthesis' is more formal).
- Incorrect pronunciation: /proʊsˈθetɪk/ (the first vowel is short).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Prosthetic' is primarily an adjective (e.g., a prosthetic hand). 'Prosthesis' is the noun for the actual device (e.g., She was fitted with a prosthesis). Informally, 'a prosthetic' is used as a noun.
Yes, though limbs are most common. It can refer to artificial eyes, teeth (dental prosthetics), joints (prosthetic hip), and even heart valves or other internal body parts.
It is a neutral, technical term. Context defines the tone. It can be positive in the context of enabling technology, or neutral in medical description.
UK: /prɒsˈθet.ɪk/ (pross-THET-ik). US: /prɑːsˈθet̬.ɪk/ (prahss-THED-ik). The 'th' is always voiced as in 'this', and the stress is on the second syllable.
An artificial device that replaces a missing body part.
Prosthetic is usually technical/medical, occasionally literary. in register.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None established. Figurative use: 'a prosthetic personality' (meaning an artificially constructed persona).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'PROfessional STETHoscope' → a doctor's tool. A 'prosthetic' is a doctor's/tool for replacing a body part. Or: 'PROS' (experts) make 'THETIC' (synthetic) limbs.
Conceptual Metaphor
THE BODY IS A MACHINE (a prosthetic is a mechanical/engineered part for the bodily machine).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the most accurate synonym for 'prosthetic' (adjective) in a medical context?