1 orthopaedics | Definition of orthopaedics
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orthopedics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
or路​tho路​pe路​dics | \ 藢券r-th蓹-藞p膿-diks How to pronounce orthopedics (audio) \
variants: or less commonly orthopaedics

Definition of orthopedics

: 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.

First Known Use of orthopedics

circa 1853, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for orthopedics

orthopedics

noun
How to pronounce orthopedics (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of orthopedics

medical : a branch of medicine that tries to prevent and correct problems that affect bones and muscles

orthopedics

noun plural but singular or plural in construction
or路​tho路​pe路​dics
variants: or chiefly British orthopaedics \ -​藞p膿d-​iks How to pronounce orthopaedics (audio) \

Medical Definition of orthopedics

: 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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More from Merriam-Webster on orthopedics

Spanish Central: Translation of orthopedics

Nglish: Translation of orthopedics for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of orthopedics for Arabic Speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about orthopedics

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