orthopedics

noun

or·​tho·​pe·​dics ˌȯr-thə-ˈpē-diks How to pronounce orthopedics (audio)
variants or less commonly orthopaedics
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures (such as tendons and ligaments)

Did you know?

Just as an orthodontist corrects crookedness in the teeth, an orthopedist corrects crookedness in the skeleton. Orthopedics is formed in part from the Greek word for "child", and many orthopedic patients are in fact children. But adults also often have need of orthopedic therapy, as when suffering from a joint disease like arthritis or when recovering from a broken arm or leg.

Examples of orthopedics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Specialty care—things like cardiology, nephrology, dermatology and orthopedics—tends to differ tremendously from primary care and urgent care in its accessibility. Jeffrey Wessler, Forbes, 26 Jan. 2023 Pope Francis, however, has made black orthopedics made by Argentinian shoemaker Carlos Samaria his signature look. Ashley Fetters Maloy, Washington Post, 31 Dec. 2022 These units specialize in stroke, orthopedics, neurosurgery, general neurology and epilepsy patients. Julie Washington, cleveland, 19 Sep. 2022 That might have been the end for most pets, but Oscar’s luck changed when he was taken into the care of Noel Fitzpatrick, a veterinarian who specialized in orthopedics and neurosurgery. Stephen C. George, Discover Magazine, 29 Oct. 2022 Both companies focus on spine and orthopedics technology, partnering with surgeons treating patients for spinal disorders and injuries. Dallas News, 11 Oct. 2022 Now director of Orthopedic Trauma Services at Suburban Hospital in Bethesda, Md. Leader of orthopedics research program at the National Institutes of Health. BostonGlobe.com, 30 Aug. 2022 His colleague in the orthopedics department, Dr. Stephanie Husen, a hospital receptionist at the clinic, Amanda Green, and a patient, William Love, also died in the shooting. Aaron Parsley, PEOPLE.com, 2 June 2022 Services offered include orthopedics, sports medicine, spine care, women’s health, manual therapy and vestibular. Bob Bong, Chicago Tribune, 25 Oct. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'orthopedics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1853, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of orthopedics was circa 1853

Dictionary Entries Near orthopedics

Cite this Entry

“Orthopedics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/orthopedics. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

orthopedics

noun singular or plural
or·​tho·​pe·​dics ˌȯr-thə-ˈpēd-iks How to pronounce orthopedics (audio)
: a branch of medicine dealing with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and structures (as tendons and ligaments) closely associated with it

Medical Definition

orthopedics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
or·​tho·​pe·​dics
variants or chiefly British orthopaedics
: a branch of medicine concerned with the correction or prevention of deformities, disorders, or injuries of the skeleton and associated structures (as tendons and ligaments)

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