noun

orthopedics

or-thuh-PEE-diks

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Orthopedics (noun) means Orthopedics is the medical field devoted to preventing and treating problems affecting the bones, muscles and joints. Example: “She was referred to orthopedics after breaking her ankle.”

noun

Orthopedics is the medical field devoted to preventing and treating problems affecting the bones, muscles and joints.

"She was referred to orthopedics after breaking her ankle."

"Orthopedics covers treatments from hip replacements to sports injuries."

"He is training to become a specialist in orthopedics."

How to use orthopedics

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishOrthopedics is the area of medicine focused on bones, joints and muscles.

When to use it

This is standard medical terminology used in both clinical and everyday contexts.

Memory tip

British English commonly spells it orthopaedics, with an extra a.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

orthopedic surgeon orthopedic surgery orthopedic shoe orthopedic bed

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “orthopedics” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She was referred to _____ after breaking her ankle.

Etymology

Orthopedics joins the prefix ortho- with the Ancient Greek word for upbringing or training. The term originally described the medical correction of deformities in children.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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orthopedic surgery orthopaedics

Rhymes for orthopedics

medics

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Frequently asked questions

What is orthopedics?

It is the branch of medicine that prevents and corrects disorders of the bones, muscles and joints.

What do orthopedic doctors treat?

They treat problems affecting the bones and the muscles and joints connected to them.

Why is it called orthopedics?

The name comes from Greek roots and originally referred to correcting deformities in children.

What is the meaning of orthopedics?

"orthopedics" (noun) means orthopedics is the medical field devoted to preventing and treating problems affecting the bones, muscles and joints.