prosthesis

/prosthesis/

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Word: Prosthesis

Part of Speech: Noun

Definition: A prosthesis is a special device that is used to replace a part of the body that is missing or not working properly. It helps people perform everyday activities more easily. For example, if someone loses a leg, they might use a prosthetic leg to walk again.

Usage Instructions:

• "Prosthesis" is used in medical contexts, often when discussing physical rehabilitation or surgeries.
• It can refer to various types of replacements, including limbs (arms and legs), teeth, or even parts of the ear.

Examples:

1. After her accident, she received a prosthesis that allowed her to walk again.
2. The dentist fitted him with a dental prosthesis to replace his missing tooth.

Advanced Usage:

• In medical discussions, you might hear specific types of prostheses, like "upper limb prosthesis" for arm replacements or "lower limb prosthesis" for leg replacements.
• The field that deals with making prostheses is called "prosthetics."

Word Variants:

• Prosthetic (adjective): Referring to the device itself or the field. For example, "He uses a prosthetic limb."
• Prosthetist (noun): A professional who designs and fits prostheses.

Different Meanings:

• While "prosthesis" primarily refers to body parts, in a more general sense, it can also mean any artificial device that enhances or replaces a natural function (like a hearing aid).

Synonyms:

• Artificial limb
• Replacement limb
• Artificial device

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs directly related to "prosthesis," but you might hear phrases like "get back on your feet" when someone recovers after using a prosthesis.

Summary:

A prosthesis is an important tool that helps individuals regain function and improve their quality of life after losing a body part.

Academic

Noun

1. corrective consisting of a replacement for a part of the body

Synonyms

• prosthetic device