bonesetter

noun

bone·​set·​ter ˈbōn-ˌse-tər 

: a person who sets broken or dislocated bones usually without being a licensed physician

Examples of bonesetter in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Across from a chocolate maker, a collective of herbalists, midwives, and bonesetters operate a small medicinal garden with plots of mugwort and rue, selling soaps and supplements out of their shop. —Julien Capmeil, Condé Nast Traveler, 30 Mar. 2020

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1518, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

bonesetter

noun

bone·​set·​ter -ˌset-ər 

: a person who sets broken or dislocated bones usually without being a licensed physician

The early bonesetters treated fractures of the limb by applying a wooden splint wrapped in bandages, or a type of plaster made from cow's milk, barley or acacia leaves held with gum and water, to surround the limb.

—S. A. Phillips and L. C. Biant, The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery

Traditional bonesetters … have been in Nigeria for centuries. Up to 85% of patients with fractures present first to the traditional bonesetters before coming to the hospital and therefore this mode of care delivery cannot be overlooked in Nigeria.

—A. B. Omololu et al., Clinical Orthopaedics and Related Research