1
: of, relating to, or being a prosthesis
a prosthetic limb
prosthetic devices
These researchers will develop ways to connect prostheses more soundly to the bone, coordinate brain signals with prosthetic movement, and create properly rotating artificial joints.—Sheela Raman
Similar prevention is recommended if you have leaky, prolapsed, or prosthetic heart valves.—Consumer Reports
also : of or relating to prosthetics
prosthetic research
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a nonprotein group of a conjugated protein
covalently bound prosthetic groups
a heme prosthetic group

Examples of prosthetic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Johns Hopkins University researchers created a similar prosthetic device that instead maps pressure variables and sends them back to the observer using an electromyography (EMG) link hooked directly into deep muscle and nerve pathways. — New Atlas, 27 Oct. 2026 The Oscar winner was the first to see Skarsgård in his full wicker suit and prosthetic makeup. — Isabelle Farina, Variety, 25 Oct. 2026 In a series of TikTok videos made yesterday, North West debuted an exaggerated prosthetic chin and slick-black bob, tagging the Bad Girls star. — Isabella Albaig, Vulture, 23 Oct. 2026 In the final step, the duo treated the paint with heat, giving it a three-dimensional effect that matched Skarsgård’s prosthetic top. — Hannah Jackson, Vogue, 23 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for prosthetic

Word History

First Known Use

1872, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of prosthetic was in 1872

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Prosthetic.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prosthetic. Accessed 29 Oct. 2026.

Medical Definition

prosthetic

adjective
1
: of, relating to, or being a prosthesis
a prosthetic device
prosthetic limbs
also : of or relating to prosthetics
prosthetic research
2
: of, relating to, or constituting a nonprotein group of a conjugated protein
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