Definition

Noun: A prosthetic device is an artificial device that replaces a missing body part. It is designed to restore some degree of the normal function and/or appearance of that part.

Usage

The term is used to refer to any artificial limb (arm, hand, leg, foot) or other external body part replacement, such as an eye. It is a formal and technical term common in medical and clinical contexts.

Examples

• After the accident, he was fitted with a prosthetic device for his lower leg.
• Modern prosthetic devices can be controlled by muscle signals or microprocessors.
• The clinic specializes in designing and fitting prosthetic devices.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often shortened informally to "prosthetic" or "prosthesis" (plural: prostheses).
  • She learned to walk effectively with her new prosthetic.
• It can be specified by the body part, e.g., prosthetic limb, prosthetic hand, prosthetic eye.

Variants and Related Words

• Prosthesis (n): The standard medical term for an artificial body part; a synonym for a prosthetic device.
• Prosthetic (adj): Relating to prosthetics or an artificial body part (e.g., , ). Informally used as a noun.
• Prosthetics (n): The field of medicine or engineering concerned with the design, fabrication, and fitting of prosthetic devices.
• Artificial limb (n): A common synonym, though it typically refers specifically to arms and legs.

Synonyms

• Artificial limb
• Prosthesis
• Implant (Note: An is typically placed the body, while a prosthetic device is usually external, though some devices may have implanted components.)

Related Phrases

• To be fitted for a prosthetic device: To undergo the process of having a prosthetic device made and adjusted for one's body.
  • He will be fitted for a prosthetic device next month.
• Prosthetic device user: A person who uses a prosthetic device.

Noun

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