What does prostheses mean?
Prostheses is the plural of prosthesis and refers to artificial devices that replace or support missing or impaired parts of the body. Its most familiar use is for artificial limbs, but the word also includes devices such as dental prostheses, braces, and other components designed to restore appearance or function. In ordinary English, “prostheses” usually means artificial limbs, especially when people are discussing amputees, rehabilitation, or sports. The related adjective “prosthetic” describes the devices themselves or the field of making and fitting them, while “prosthetics” refers to that field as a whole. The term is used in both British and American English, with no major regional difference in meaning. It is especially useful when discussing medicine, engineering, disability, and accessible design, as well as the experiences of people who use replacement limbs.
plural nounThe plural form of prosthesis: artificial devices that replace or support a missing or impaired body part, especially limbs. The term can also refer to restorative devices such as artificial limbs, prostheses for teeth, or other body parts.
- Artificial devices that replace or support a missing or impaired body part, especially limbs.
"The athlete resumed competing after learning to use his new prostheses."
"The rehabilitation team helped him adjust to his new prostheses."
"The clinic provides dental prostheses for patients who have lost teeth."
“Prostheses” is already the standard plural of “prosthesis.”
"She adjusted her prostheses before beginning the morning walk."
From a Greek word meaning “to put forward,” prostheses are devices that put something back into service where a body part is missing or unable to function.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does prostheses come from?
The word comes from Greek prosthesia, meaning “a putting forward” or “addition,” referring to the placing of an artificial part in the body. English borrowed the singular form “prosthesis” in the 19th century, initially in medical writing. The modern family of forms, including “prosthetic,” “prosthetics,” and “prosthetist,” developed through the same Latinized and English medical vocabulary. The meaning expanded from artificial body parts more generally to include devices intended to restore lost function.
Related word forms
How prostheses is actually used
“Prostheses” is the usual plural form. In general contexts, it often means artificial limbs, although the word can refer to a wider range of devices used to replace or support body parts.