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

Some insurances may cover at least part of the prosthetic cost. —Michelle Marchante, Miami Herald, 19 June 2025

Amputees who long to go for a casual run—or snowboard, or ski—need affordable prosthetic solutions for lower or upper limbs. —Alan Schwarz, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Selling that gag required a close collaboration between Poole, actor Rich Ting, and the special effects department to create a prosthetic appliance that enabled the crew to shoot the moment practically on set. —Jim Hemphill, IndieWire, 16 June 2025

For people who use prosthetic hands, though, these everyday tasks can be a real challenge. —Kurt Knutsson, FOXNews.com, 20 May 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for prosthetic

• acetic
• aesthetic
• ascetic
• athletic
• cosmetic
• diegetic
• eidetic
• emetic
• esthetic
• frenetic
• genetic
• helvetic

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