prosthesis

noun

pros·​the·​sis präs-ˈthē-səs How to pronounce prosthesis (audio)
ˈpräs-thə-
plural prostheses präs-ˈthē-ˌsēz How to pronounce prosthesis (audio)
ˈpräs-thə-
: an artificial device to replace or augment a missing or impaired part of the body
upper and lower limb prostheses
a postmastectomy breast prosthesis
removable dental prostheses

Examples of prosthesis in a Sentence

She was fitted with a prosthesis to replace her missing leg.
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Running prostheses use polycentric knees that have as many as seven pivot points. Jothy Rosenberg, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024 So all of our writers’ meetings were with him in the makeup chair in various stages of prosthesis. Rebecca Alter, Vulture, 28 June 2024 In the Paralympics, people can use a prosthesis, but all devices must be passive: no motor, no display, no sensors. Dana MacKenzie, Smithsonian Magazine, 23 Oct. 2024 But if my prosthesis came pre-stamped with a Taylor Swift theme, that would be an imposition. Chloé Valentine Toscano, The Atlantic, 14 Aug. 2024 See all Example Sentences for prosthesis 

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Greek, addition, from prostithenai to add to, from pros- in addition to + tithenai to put — more at pros-, do

First Known Use

circa 1900, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosthesis was circa 1900

Dictionary Entries Near prosthesis

Cite this Entry

“Prosthesis.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosthesis. Accessed 7 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

prosthesis

noun
pros·​the·​sis präs-ˈthē-səs How to pronounce prosthesis (audio)
ˈpräs-thə-
plural prostheses -ˌsēz How to pronounce prosthesis (audio)
: an artificial device that replaces a missing part of the body
prosthetic
präs-ˈthet-ik
adjective

Medical Definition

prosthesis

noun
pros·​the·​sis präs-ˈthē-səs, ˈpräs-thə- How to pronounce prosthesis (audio)
plural prostheses -ˌsēz How to pronounce prosthesis (audio)
: an artificial device to replace or augment a missing or impaired part of the body
transtibial prostheses
a postmastectomy breast prosthesis
biological and mechanical heart valve prostheses

More from Merriam-Webster on prosthesis

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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