orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-dik 

variants or less commonly orthopaedic

1

: of, relating to, or employed in orthopedics

an orthopedic surgeon

orthopedic shoes

2

: marked by or affected with a skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury

an orthopedic condition

people with orthopedic problems

orthopedically

ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-di-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

Examples of orthopedic in a Sentence

She was wearing orthopedic shoes.

Recent Examples on the Web

Before everyone knew it, the country’s main public hospital, already shuttered because of gang attacks last year and repeatedly vandalized several times since, was ablaze, its operating rooms, ophthalmology and orthopedic departments inside a temporary structure up in flames. —Jacqueline Charles, Miami Herald, 18 Feb. 2025

Anti-fatigue mats provide additional comfort and support, relieving pressure and strain on users’ joints and muscles, much like an orthopedic sneaker. —Maggie Horton, People.com, 13 Feb. 2025

Proceeds from the auction will support UC San Diego Health’s plan to name a new orthopedic surgery clinic at its Hillcrest Campus in honor of Dr. Steve Garfin. —Ryan Finley, San Diego Union-Tribune, 30 Jan. 2025

Combining comfort and functionality, orthopedic slippers are a practical investment for long-term wear. —Jené Luciani Sena, Fox News, 25 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

French orthopédique, from orthopédie orthopedics, from orth- + Greek paid-, pais child — more at few

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for orthopedic

• glycosidic
• orthopaedic
• comedic
• encyclopaedic
• encyclopedic

Kids Definition

orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or used in orthopedics

2

: marked by or affected with skeletal deformity, disorder, or injury

Medical Definition

orthopedic

adjective

or·​tho·​pe·​dic

variants or chiefly British orthopaedic

ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-ik 

1

: of, relating to, or employed in orthopedics

orthopedic surgery

orthopedic casts

2

: marked by or affected with a deformity, disorder, or injury of the skeleton and associated structures

orthopedically adverb

or chiefly British orthopaedically

-ˈpēd-i-k(ə-)lē