prosthetic

Everyday

1. A prosthetic body part is an artificial one, like a leg, arm, hand or eye, made to replace a part that is missing. tree →
2. (noun) A prosthetic is such an artificial part; in films, prosthetics are fake body parts for make-up and effects. tree →

In the lessons

Used in science and lessons about disability and respect: people who have lost a limb can walk, run and play sport with a prosthetic leg. Paralympic athletes use running blades. In everyday life it is polite to talk about the person, not stare at the prosthetic.

Examples

• She runs fast on her prosthetic leg. tree →
• A prosthetic hand can pick up a cup. tree →
• The Paralympic sprinter uses running blades. tree →
• Some prosthetic arms are moved by tiny signals from the muscles. tree →
• The film monster was made with prosthetics. tree →
• He got a new prosthetic as he grew taller. tree →

Note

Noun also: a prosthesis (plural prostheses). Stress: pros-THET-ick. Children with prosthetics grow and need new ones. Not the same as a plaster cast, which is temporary.