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

As part of their costumes, the duo wore prosthetic breasts. —Catherine Santino, People.com, 20 Dec. 2024

But Krasne did man the prosthetic paws shown digging in the transition scene, and in the movie’s trailer, when Adams’s character slips and pratfalls across kitchen tiles, Krasne recognized her own work. —Dan Greene, The New Yorker, 16 Dec. 2024

All prosthetic legs are held on with suction, which means fit must be precise. —Jothy Rosenberg, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

But, first, a new kind of prosthetic limb depends on carbon fibre and computer chips—and the reëngineering of muscles, tendons, and bone. —Rivka Galchen, The New Yorker, 10 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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