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Definition of orthopedics

orthopedics

/ˌɔːr.θəˈpiː.dɪks/
(UK: orthopaedics)
or · tho · pe · dics
Adverb:orthopedically
•
Adjective:orthopedic
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orthopedics Lexical Profile

orthopedics Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

American The branch of medicine dealing with the prevention, diagnosis, and correction of deformities, injuries, or disorders of the bones, joints, muscles, and ligaments.

Example

"After tearing her anterior cruciate ligament, she was referred to the hospital's department of orthopedics for surgical evaluation."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for orthopedics

Word Nuance & Usage

Although derived from the Greek word for 'child' (paideia) rather than the Latin word for 'foot' (pes), orthopedics is commonly misconstrued as relating exclusively to feet rather than the entire musculoskeletal system.

• Rhymes for orthopedics

• Nearby Words

orthonyx
orthopedic
orthopedically
orthopedics
orthopedist
orthotic
orthotics

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in French in 1741 as 'orthopédie' by physician Nicolas Andry from the Ancient Greek 'orthos' (straight, correct) and 'paideia' (rearing of children), as the discipline originally focused on correcting skeletal deformities in children.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Orthopedics. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/orthopedics
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