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

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

Bravo fans hearing this anecdote may recall one of the most iconic moments on The Real Housewives of New York City, when cast member Aviva Drescher threw her own prosthetic leg in order to win an argument. —Christian Holub, EW.com, 9 Dec. 2024

Some companies are developing brain implants that would allow paralyzed people to control prosthetic limbs with their thoughts. —Emily Mullin, WIRED, 9 Dec. 2024

Despite Orlok’s prosthetic decrepitude and the plague-like toxicity of his love, what truly horrifies Ellen about him is that some unknown part of her nature craves his touch. —David Ehrlich, IndieWire, 2 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