prosthesis
pros-THEE-sis
/prɒsˈθiː.sɪs/
An artificial body part, such as a limb, eye, or tooth, used to replace one that is missing.
Specifically refers to an artificial device that replaces a missing body part or augments a damaged part. It's about 'adding' something back to the body.
The story behind the word. The word 'prosthesis' comes directly from the ancient Greek 'prosthesis,' which meant 'an addition, application, or putting to.' It's derived from 'pro-' meaning 'in addition to' or 'forward,' and 'tithenai' meaning 'to place.' So, a prosthesis is literally 'something placed in addition' to the body, perfectly describing its function of replacing a lost part.
Word relationships
- artificial limb: A more common and descriptive phrase for a specific type of prosthesis.
- implant: An implant is a device placed inside the body; a prosthesis can be internal or external, but often refers to external replacements.
Commonly confused with
- orthosis: An orthosis is a device that supports or corrects a body part (e.g., a brace); a prosthesis replaces a missing body part.
Word family
- prosthetic (adjective): Relating to a prosthesis.
- prosthetist (noun): A person who designs, fabricates, and fits prostheses.
Collocations
- dental prosthesis
- ocular prosthesis
- limb prosthesis
- advanced prosthesis
- prosthesis fitting
Example sentences
- "After the accident, he was fitted with a state-of-the-art prosthetic leg, allowing him to walk again." Describing medical technology.
- "Dental prostheses, like dentures and crowns, restore function and aesthetics." Referring to dental work.
- "Advances in bioengineering have led to highly sophisticated prostheses that can be controlled by neural signals." From a medical journal.
Memory hook
PROS-thesis is PRO-viding a replacement, an 'addition'. Add-On
When not to use
Do not use 'prosthesis' for internal medical devices like pacemakers or stents, which are typically called 'implants' or 'devices'.
Fun facts
- The earliest known prosthesis is a toe made of wood and leather found on an ancient Egyptian mummy, dating back over 3,000 years.
- Modern prostheses can incorporate advanced robotics and sensory feedback, blurring the lines between human and machine.
Related words
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